The Founder of Haven of Love Children’s Foundation and winner of the JoyNews Impact Makers Award in the Health and Social Welfare category, Samuel Nana Bekai Djirackor, made a significant impact at the Evidence to Action (E2A) Conference 2024, organised by the International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED).

Representing the Upper East Region, Mr Djirackor delivered a compelling presentation that showcased the transformative power of youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture, emphasising the crucial role of the Market System and Resilience (MSR) program in his success.

Youth Champions Leading the Way: Powered by MSR and Haven of Love Children’s Foundation

He began by highlighting the success of a youth empowerment initiative across the Bawku West, Garu, and Tempane districts, all facilitated by the MSR program.

With the unwavering support of Haven of Love Children’s Foundation, an organisation he founded to nurture and uplift the next generation, 15 dedicated youths from these districts were selected for intensive training.

This training, delivered by MSR, was designed to equip these young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and sense of patriotism necessary to drive significant change within their communities.

The impact of this initiative has been profound.

Each of these youth champions conducted step-down training, mentoring and training 80 peers each, resulting in a total of 2,400 young people being empowered across the three districts.

The training, focused on smart agriculture, not only provided practical farming skills but also instilled a deep sense of responsibility and civic duty, ensuring these youths are prepared to lead their communities into a more sustainable future.

The involvement of Haven of Love Children’s Foundation has been instrumental in this success. Under Samuel’s visionary leadership, the foundation has become a beacon of hope, consistently driving initiatives that empower youth and transform communities.

Through the foundation’s support, these young leaders have not only gained technical skills but have also been inspired to take ownership of their futures and make lasting impacts in their regions.

Smart Agriculture: A Dual Approach to Sustainability.

During his presentation, which took place in one of the breakout sessions at the ISSER Hall, Mr Djirackor detailed the innovative concept of "smart agriculture," a practice that integrates climate resilience with economic opportunities.

Mr Djirackor was joined by Juliet Ako, a registered nutritionist and youth advocate for Swida Ghana, as they discussed how this approach is being implemented in their community with the support of Haven of Love Children’s Foundation.

A key project highlighted was the establishment of a one-acre moringa plantation. Samuel explained how this plantation not only serves as a tool for combating climate change but also provides financial benefits to the community.

“Our smart agriculture initiatives are dual-purpose: they help us address environmental challenges while also generating income. The moringa plantation is a perfect example—while we fight climate change, we also create new income streams for our community,” he stated.

This project has been further strengthened through strategic partnerships with Sungold and the Department of Parks and Gardens, which provided updated seedlings and resources to ensure the plantation's success.

These collaborations have been instrumental in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, aligning with the goals of the MSR program and the mission of Haven of Love Children’s Foundation.

Collaborative Presentation with Global Impact.

The session was led by Alaine Johnson, Hickey Leland International Fellow and representative of ACDI/VOCA, FAO, and the World Food Program (WFP).

Alaine provided a global perspective, linking local efforts in the Upper East Region with broader international climate resilience strategies.

The conference, which gathered professionals and climate change advocates from Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom, served as a platform for sharing best practices and innovative approaches to climate action.

Mr Djirackor and Juliet’s presentation, backed by the work of Haven of Love Children’s Foundation, resonated with attendees, highlighting the importance of locally-driven solutions supported by global partnerships.

MSR: The Backbone of Success

Mr Djirackor emphasised the pivotal roles of the MSR program and the Haven of Love Children’s Foundation throughout his presentation. It was through MSR’s dedication and resources, coupled with his leadership support of the Haven of Love Children’s Foundation, that he was able to attend the conference and present his work.

The MSR program’s focus on market systems and resilience, along with the foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, has been critical in equipping Samuel and other youth champions with the tools they need to lead effective, sustainable initiatives in their communities.

Inspiring Action Nationwide

Samuel Nana Bekai Djirackor’s impactful presentation at the E2A Conference has reinforced his position as a leader in health, social welfare, and sustainable development.

His foundation's collaboration with MSR, and other partners is inspiring others to take action, demonstrating the significant progress that can be made when local efforts are supported by strategic partnerships.