Vodafone Ghana Foundation has celebrated the efforts of some young talented Ghanaians to mark this year’s World Youth Skills Awareness Day and Nelson Mandela Day in line with its ‘Birthday Stars’ initiative.

The programme aimed at creating an avenue for the youth to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Arts to aid in their development and prepare them for the world of work.

The event hosted the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason; the Director of Legal and External Affairs of Vodafone Ghana, Geta Striggner-Quartey; and some celebrities including; Adjetey Anang, Jay Foley, Ameyaw Debrah, among others.

Speaking on the event, Director of Legal and External Affairs of Vodafone Ghana, Geta Striggner-Quartey, said the Foundation took a keen interest in impacting lives and encouraging the youngsters to learn new skills to take up opportunities presented to them.

“Everyone has the ability and responsibility to change the world for the better. Therefore, I encourage those interested in Arts to endeavour to master their works to put themselves and Ghana on the globe”.

On her part, South African High Commissioner, Grace Jeanet Mason, urged the youth to identify their purpose and work relentlessly towards it.

"You are destined to be great; however, it takes perseverance to get there. Education is the best weapon you could use as a youngster to excel. It is needful to pursue one's dreams despite any challenge. There's nothing wrong with losing because you have to lose to win. Don't be afraid of losing. But, again, use your skills to inspire and empower others”.

Citing former President Mandela, she admonished them to embrace the spirit of peace and reconciliation. “Embrace the spirit of peace and reconciliation as youths”.

Head of Vodafone Ghana Foundation, Amaris Nana Adjei Perbi, noted that the programme would be hosted every year to serve as an opportunity for young people to impact society positively and also teach others to emulate them.

“Through this initiative, we have been able to discover various talents. We had 89 young people send in their videos; however, we had to select the top 20 for today’s event and looking at these young ones exhibit their talents is very encouraging. I believe this initiative is a good push for them.

"Top talent has come to stay, and thus every month of July every year, Vodafone Ghana Foundation will organise a platform to encourage the youths to display their talents."

A student of Aggrey Road Junior High School, Samuel Aboagye, who was crowned the 2021 top talent, expressed gratitude to his motivators and supporters and the Vodafone Ghana Foundation for offering him the platform to display his talent.

The 16-year-old emerged winner among 20 competitors who invented a Bluetooth speaker, water dispenser and a hoover, all made from waste materials. He was awarded a brand-new laptop, a Vodafone Mi-Fi, and a certificate.