ALL YOUTH AWAKE NETWORK (AYAN) "CHRISTIAN YOUTH ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE AND HIV/AIDS PREVENTION PROJECT"
GET TO KNOW ABOUT AYAN
The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is dedicated to demonstrating the love and power of God and to bringing people into a life-changing relationship with his son Jesus Christ. AYAN is all about young people having a positive place to grow as a young person. Always fun and entertaining, the Word of God is presented in a way in which young people will grow to understand the principles of Jesus Christ. Through various forms of interactive media (video, music), drama, dance, open forums, the Word of God is presented in a real and effective way.
All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) was established in September 2007. The AYAN Community program continues to be one of the largest and most effective Christian substance abuse recovery, HIV/AIDS, and prevention programs of its kind.
AYAN is a non-profit Christian Youth organization and a collaboration initiative that relies entirely on the generous donations, funding and volunteer efforts of both individuals and organizations throughout our Nation in order to offer services at no cost to the individual. It is the belief of AYAN that community involvement and support is an essential component of recovery and necessary in providing services that address the specific needs of the communities involved.
AYAN History
AYAN was established in September 6th 2007, by Kenneth PaaKojo Mensah and other Christian friends. Since its first Community opened in Onwe in October 2007, AYAN has grown to over 5 communities within the Ejisu Juaben District and 5 communities within Kumasi, all in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Affiliation
All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is affiliated with End Time Harvest Ministries International (Canada), End Time Gospel Life Ministry, Oforikrom-Kumasi (Ghana), and Global Youth Ministry Network, Mansfield, Ohio – USA.
Statement of Purpose
What we are is a spiritual recovery program in service to disenfranchised, helpless, lost, and hurting people in the community.
The mission of All Youth Awake Network (AYAN)
To identify and actively engage young potential leaders in Youth Seminars, help them understand their own strengths and abilities, and teach them how to use their gifts to positively influence others to serve their communities and their nation.
TO REACH the youth generation with the message of JESUS CHRIST, through running large scale events and RESOURCING THE LOCAL CHURCH.
To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to tear down the strongholds that the enemy has placed on young adults.
To show God’s love through example and in a practical manner by providing for the needs of the homeless, poor, needy and dysfunctional people in our community. Our goal is Rescue and Rehabilitation.
To provide youth, adults and children an effective and comprehensive faith-based solution to drug and alcohol addiction as well as other life-controlling problems.
To enabling and equipping those we serve to find freedom from addictive behavior, to become socially and emotionally healthy, physically well and spiritually alive.
To reaches out to people from all backgrounds, with particular emphasis on the urban poor, women and ethnic minorities.
OUR VALUES:
Commitment: We celebrate, recognize and reward passion, dedication and loyalty to the mission and vision of AYAN.
Communication: We practice clear, timely and consistent communication, recognizing this as the basis for effective team work, efficient problem solving and organizational success.
Excellence: We demonstrate excellence in all our activities going the extra mile to ensure that our programmes, services and operations are world class and of the highest standards.
Integrity: We consistently demonstrate transparency and truthfulness in all our dealings.
Respect: We recognize and celebrate the diversity in our society and demonstrate respect in all of our interactions with different stakeholders.
Result-Oriented: We focus on outcomes, not activities. Through our programmes, we change mindsets and behaviour - inspiring, empowering and equipping our participants with the tools, skills and support that they need to effectively lead positive change efforts in their Schools and communities.
PROGRAMMES
OUTREACH AND PREVENTION
Community Outreach and Prevention Programs
School Teams - Our School Presentation team visits schools, from junior high through senior high schools, and universities putting on shows for the student, skits that are both fun and informative are acted out. There is a definite message in the skits, most often an anti-drug one or a "school is cool" theme. In addition, between skits, members of the team give personal testimonies of their past life of drug abuse and how AYAN has given them a chance at a new life.
Drama Teams - One of the many ways AYAN serves the community is the New Creation Drama Team. Comprised of 10 to 15 AYAN members, the drama teams are a very effective and fun way of reaching out to the community. Like our school team presentations there is a definite message in the skits, most often an anti-drug message. Between skits, members of the drama team give personal testimonies of their past life of drug abuse and how AYAN has given them a chance at a new life.
Drug Education - Teams are invited into private and public schools to present informative, age relevant presentations which encourage youngsters not to use drugs. Those who are already using drugs are counseled.
Choir - The New Creation Choir is a group of AYAN members who sing and provide testimonies. They travel to local churches and organizations all over Ghana. So many people in the community are directly affected by the tragedy of drug abuse. Either they are personally involved with drugs or a son or daughter or mother or father or friend or loved one is being devastated by dangerous drugs. The New Creation Choir, through their inspiring songs and life changing testimonies is always a heart touching ray of hope to anyone who sees and hears them. If you would like to have the AYAN New Creation Choir visit your church or school or organizations contact the AYAN secretariat.
Turning Point
Life is constantly changing for youth, many times in today's world the changes are not for the better. Youth crimes, gang violence and anti-social behavior among youth all over the world remain a major concern especially in urban communities. Youth are facing challenges never before seen from constant negative media images, to the proliferation of drugs and alcohol among teens, to broken families and social disintegration it is obvious that young people need specific directions and instruction to correct damage that has already been done and to prevent damage to come.
AYAN hold weekly meetings at various communities such as Turning Point. Turning Point's purpose is to establish an effective, on-going, Community-based group to help people overcome and/or remain free of life-controlling problems. The desire is to apply the truths of Scripture to the struggles that we face in order that we may grow in our relationship to God and experience growing freedom from the "corruption in the world caused by evil desires".
Learning Center
AYAN will establish several After-School Learning Centers and Prevention Programs designed to encourage children and youth to achieve their highest academic and individual potential. The After-School Learning Center will provide educational components that will include tutoring and mentoring (volunteers), technological opportunities, family-related workshops and counseling, leadership formation activities, quality partnerships and individual relationships.
The After-School Learning centers will seeks out those students who are most at-risk for social and/or academic failure with a particular emphasis on those students who (1) have been identified as victims of child abuse or domestic violence, (2) are from low-income families, (3) are at high risk for academic failure and (4) those who have been identified as “hard to reach.”
Vocational Training
Overview - Research has shown that academic and social achievement often serves as protective factors against drug and alcohol abuse. Inversely, those individuals who have low academic or social achievement are at high risk of developing a problem with drugs or alcohol.
The AYAN vocational training programs will empower individuals to become self-sufficient, provide for the needs of their families, and to become leaders in their communities. The vocational training and learning center completion program is one of several reasons why AYAN will continue to be, so successful.
Employment Preparation - Some topics covered in this class for AYAN members are: Resume Writing, Interview Tips and Techniques, Goals and Action Plans, Job Search Skills, Professional Communications, and Problem Solving to name a few. The goal of the class is to prepare each member to be able to answer:
• "What style resume should I use?"
• "How should I answer that question if a potential employer asks it?"
• "What should I do to prepare for an interview?"
Event
Youth Awake Conference
Youth Awake conference” AYAN annual conference is a major youth event. Experience 4 days and nights of powerful dramas, live worship, internationally and locally acclaimed gospel artists and great speakers. Drawing thousands of young people, with youth groups coming from other parts of the world, You Don’t Want to Miss This!! The conference is aiming to strengthen the faith of believers but also to reach out to those who do not have a clear direction for their lives. Youth Awake conference is a lively, energetic event with dynamic teaching, preaching, music, drama and special events that will captivate young people of Ghana.
Super Weekends,
Youth Awake Weekends consists of a Friday night session which is designed to challenge youth to the very core combining teaching, music, drama and audio visual presentations. Saturday morning consists of a second session for Youth covering some of life's most important issues including Sex & Relationships and Personal Development, Making the Most of Your Teenage Years and other topics helping youth to make decisions that would impact them for the rest of their lives.
On Saturday also is a Special session for Youth Pastors, Youth Workers and Youth Leaders. This session deals with how Youth Workers can be effective in reaching teaching and ministering to today's teens. This covers creative strategies and practical advice from leaders who have spent years in effective youth ministry.
Saturday Night’s session consists of a concert featuring exciting musical guests and others.
Youth Awake Weekends come on every last week of every three month.
Mind Games Summit
Mind Games Summit is designed for all youth and youth leaders are also encourage to attend. Mind Games Summit gives time for personal interaction; Youth have time to study, worship and eat. Mind Games Summit will give youth the basic tool and methods they will need to respond to tough question about their faith. It will enable the youth to defend their belief with intellectual integrity, clarity, patience and compassion. Youth will leave the summit with their faith strengthened and their knowledge increased.
Mind Games Summit truly changes lives, giving youth a new confidence in their God, His Word, and in their role as His ambassadors. This is an investment in the youth that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Mind Games Summit comes on every last Saturday of every month.
Pray Ghana
"PRAY Ghana” is a national ministry initiative by All Youth Awake Network (AYAN). All over Ghana our High Schools are being bombarded with gangs, violence, teen pregnancy, drugs, sexual abuse, homosexuality and lesbianism. Therefore unless we who are members of the body of Christ step up to the plate and do something, then we can expect the continual slide of morals in Ghana's high schools.
Therefore "PRAY Ghana" will bring together pastors, church congregations, parents, students, elected officials and all citizens who are concerned with the survival and moral standards of our high school students. In this initiative we are asking people to gather around the flag poles of Ghana on Saturday's once a month and pray for our students, teachers and the institution of education.
How will "PRAY Ghana" work? We would appoint a city prayer coordinator to bring together all of those who are concerned about our schools together once a month to pray for the issues involving our high schools. It is just that simple.
Leadership Core of "PRAY Ghana"
National Coordinator
City Coordinator
We will be sending our letters to our nations school districts in order to gain permission to pray on Saturday mornings once a month. Then at that point we will identify all high schools in each city and give direction and leadership to cover those schools with people who will pray. We want to have parents, pastors and preachers, teachers, students and city and local officials as well.
We will ask each city coordinator to have a press conference in their city in order to inform the community of what we are trying to do. We will be contacting the nation’s major news carriers and getting them involved as well.
__________________________________________________
SIX-MONTH STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
JUNE, 2008 – DECEMBER, 2008
________________________________________________________
This Six-Month Strategic Development Plan is a product of close to three months intensive work by the Executives of the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN). It is a summary of our very modest work, what we stand for and what we intend to achieve in the next Six Month (May, 2008 – December, 2008), God being on our side. As a product of human hands, we recognize that this Strategic Development Plan is neither supreme nor absolute. We will also be guided by wisdom, knowledge, experience and exigencies of our historical circumstances.
By providing this Six - Month Strategic Development Plan, we are recognizing the importance and role of proper planning for the realization, authentication and success of any venture. Planning is an essential ingredient and significant component of success. He who fails to plan, it is said, plans to fail. As we commit and rededicate ourselves to the service of God and fellow human beings, our goal is to positively impact and transform the lives of individuals and render our communities more habitable where, accordingly to the Holy Scripture, “Lion and Lamb” dwell together in love, peace and perfect harmony.
May, 2008
In Kumasi - Ghana.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is a Faith-based, not-for-profit. Non-Governmental Organization whose object is the glory of God, the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ on earth, the promotion of education and the relief of poverty among Christian Youths, by challenging and changing those practices that generate and sustain poverty. Founded in September 2007, our mission is to rid our society of sin, crime and other social ills militating against the will of God and our collective social existence. We work primarily, but not exclusively, in Ghana in order to build self-reliance, health and capacity.
The Organization is dedicated to empowering Christian Youths to lead others to participate in the life of the Trinity by breaking down barriers prohibiting a growing healthy and sustainable relationship with God. Our passion is to liberate young Christians from the shackles and strangulation of worldliness to enable them experience the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. We organize conferences, workshops, seminars, Career counseling and training programs, focusing on potential release, inviting all Christians to constantly depend on, and to consistently draw on the grace of God, hear His voice and experience His guiding hand through all aspects of their lives, so that the Christian walk is recognized and embraced by society as authentic and attractive. To achieve this, we seek the transformation of societies through leadership development and personal transformation, taking cognizance of the fact that every individual is important and relevant in God’s eyes. Our focus therefore, is the individual. Every individual is a mission and a challenge both to himself and to fellow human beings.
OUR ENVIRONMENT:
The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) seeks to address the impacts of poverty, social injustice and imbalances, conflict and social dislocation in communities, including their root causes, where we live and work. It is our believe and faith that as we continue to address these problems from their roots causes, we will also proffer practical solutions which when accepted in good faith and translated into positive actions, would become indices for authentic growth, social transformation and genuine development. To achieve this, we will continue to collaborate with others in local, National, Regional and International Initiatives to strategize and develop cultures and practices in which we share and apply our experiences and learning.
THE ORGANIZATION’S VISION:
The Vision of the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is people transformed and empowered by Christian Principles and providing outstanding leadership, direction, healing and hope to a world that is broken and fragmented by sin. Our ultimate goal is to build a community-led planning and transformation process that encompasses crime reduction and prevention, employment, education and capacity, health, the enhancement of faith connections and the expansion of existing civic structures. Micah 6:8 calls us to “do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly with God”. This is our motivation to act in interests beyond our own self-interests, to care for and share with others. In line with the character of Jesus who calls us to follow his footsteps and to show concern for those trapped into harmful conditions by powers greater than themselves, the Scriptures invite us to be Voice to the Voiceless and to seek justice for the oppressed, the marginalized and the powerless (Proverbs 29:7, 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:15-17. 10:1-3, Mark 12:38-40). We will do all in our power to influence Governments and others in positions of power to make legislations and policies which lift up the poor, protect the vulnerable and make conditions possible for the rehabilitation of the outcast. We will seek transformation and change at the deepest and most profound levels by working to touch people at the core of their values, beliefs, hopes, motivations and understanding of reality. Our ultimate goal is new men and new women, becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus and working to see their whole communities transformed by the power of his Compassionate Love and healing Word.
THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION:
The Mission of the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) clearly reflects the special biblical mandate given to us by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 9:37-38, and it reads:
“The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few.
So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest;
Ask him to send out more workers for his fields”.
The Organization came into existence as a direct response to the above mandate, in September 2007. From this very humble beginning, we have committed our resources, talents, energies and time towards facilitating and leading initiatives aimed at:
Building and strengthening the individual capacities of young people to make biblically-shaped responses to social challenges in the contemporary world.
Working with local churches and communities to inculcate family values and promote a greater sense of our shared experience.
Nurturing the spiritual life of young Christians such that they become worthy Ambassadors of the Lord Jesus.
Igniting young Christians for workplace transformation by modeling our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Equipping young Christians to minister effectively in the name of Christ in the Church and in the society.
THE ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS:
Over the Months, our programs have continued to exhibit and demonstrate a rich blend or combination of Theology and Practice. We seek and will continue to always enlist the full armor of God in Prayer and active good works as we move forward in faith, love, charity and service. Some of our major programs, events and project focus areas are listed below:
The Christian Youths Leadership Building Program
Asset-Based Community Development and Talents Discovery
The Family Support Initiative
The Stop Child Poverty and Emancipation Initiative
The Interfaith Youth and Peace building Program
Information and Communication Technology for Development Initiative
The Integrated Family Education Program
The Youth Alcohol, Drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Project
WHERE WE ARE NOW:
At the close of May 2008, the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) has about 120 active, selfless and very dedicated Volunteers. We have also established partnership and formal linkages with 5 International Organizations.
THE WAY FORWARD:
The Organization’s Six- Month Strategic Development Plan is categorized under the following three headings and based on the Organization’s Program Focus and Objectives as highlighted above:
The Development of the Organization
Capacity Building, Education and Training
Information Sharing, Networking and Partnership
1. The Development of the Organization:
a. Strengthening of our Membership base: We will seek to strengthen and increase our Membership base to 500 Volunteers by the end of December, 2008. We will identify and invite individuals interested in our work and in providing selfless community services to join and work with us.
b. Appointment of Patrons and Matrons at the Community level: We will identify, nominate, confirm and appoint 5 individuals as Patrons and Matrons to our various Communities by the end of September, 2008. Appointment of Patrons and Matrons shall be based on the individual’s spiritual and social integrity, sound leadership qualities, experience, age (40 and above), love for truth, our faith and the youth.
c. Our New and Permanent Secretariat Complex: A lot of money will be required for this purpose. Preliminary survey indicates that about $20,000 will be required to complete and equip our Secretariat. We will seek financial and material support from individuals, foundations, trusts; local, regional and international Organizations to enable us build and relocate to our permanent site. We will also undertake a number of fundraising initiatives to actualize this great dream. The Secretariat will accommodate a number of facilities, including Offices, a Mini-Library, a Prayer Center or Chapel, a Conference Hall, a Guest House and our Multipurpose Community Development and Youth Empowerment Center. The Center when completed will provide training opportunities for young people in Bicycle Repair and Maintenance, Basic Computer Software and Hardware Maintenance, Soap and Candle Making, Tailoring, Knitting, Barbing and Hairdressing, Carpentry and other Educational programs on HIV/AIDS, Drug abuse and Reproductive Health, Culture of Peace Education, Leadership Development, Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Mediation, among others.
2. Capacity Building, Education and Training:
a. We will finalize the development of our Training Curriculum and formally commence our Integrated Family Education Program, an inspirational initiative dedicated to the realization of the objectives of the family by facilitating the raising of marriages and homes that will give birth to, and raise children to become responsible social citizens and make our societies better and more habitable.
b. We will organize a number of conferences and training programs on Leadership development, Asset-Building, Community Service and active youth participation. We will convene and host the following conferences, workshops and programs in Kumasi and other part of Ghana.
(i) 1st Youth Awake Conference
(ii) 1st Youth Awake Weekends
(iii) 1st Mind Games Summit
(iv) 1st Pray Ghana
(v) We will intensify our efforts and campaigns for the establishment of the Ghanaian Christian Youth Forum.
3. Information Sharing, Networking and Partnership
a. The Organization will develop a website and continue to update regularly as well as resume the publication of our quarterly Newsletter known as “FOCUS”. The quarterly Newsletter will be distributed online through our website and to our Volunteers, sponsors, supporters, partners, fiends and the interested public for free.
b. We will strengthen existing linkages and partnerships with individuals, local, national, regional and international Organizations by sending them monthly and Quarterly updates and reports of our activities and programs as well as regularly inviting contributions, comments and suggestions from them.
The Kumasi Computer Literacy Project
PROJECT DOCUMENT
PROJECT GOAL:
The goal of the Kumasi Computer Literacy Project is to empower Disabled Persons without Functional Legs to become skilled, self-reliant and productive members of the society. The Program is aimed at bridging the educational divide, multiplying educational opportunities and eradicating educational discrimination.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Kumasi, the cosmopolitan city and capital of Ashanti Region of Ghana and the surrounding communities is fast becoming a city for all- a melting point for several groups of people seeking for a means for basic survival. From the late 1990s, the influx of disabled persons seeking means of livelihood has increased tremendously, ranging from the blind to deaf and dumb, and more recently Disabled Persons Living Without Functional Legs. While some were born disabled, others grew to become disabled due to polio. As a result of the climatic and social conditions in the Southern parts of Ghana.
Unfortunately, most of the Disabled Persons have no skilled ability for self-employment or for employment by companies. This has led to the massive influx of such Disabled Persons to highways, traffic junctions, motor parks, churches/mosques and market gates as beggars always asking for alms and charities. The days they succeed, they are assured of food, but for most days they end without food. Most of the Disabled Persons, due to frustration resort to drug and substance abuse, criminality and other forms of anti-social behaviors. The few privilege number of Disabled Persons has been camped in Disabled Persons homes operated by Faith-based Organizations like Churches, Mosques and other humanitarian Organizations. At most of these camps, they are provided with food, accommodation and clothing periodically based on charities from the public and corporate bodies. There is actually very little clothing, medical care and almost no educational opportunities or training in life skills that can prepare them to become self-reliant or employable.
As Street beggars, Disabled Persons without Functional Legs are exposed to high risks on the highways and streets. In the absence of an alternative means of livelihood, street begging has remained the only option for survival of these fellow citizens and creatures of the Most High God.
THE RESPONSE:
In response to this social and educational problem, All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) in collaboration with the ( ) is pioneering the creation of a special educational and empowerment program for the Disabled Persons Without Functional Legs to become skilled, self-reliant, productive and useful to themselves and their communities. The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) recognizes the fact that the Disabled Persons are human beings, created in the same “image and likeness” and share a common origin and destiny with the rest of us, and should not be discriminated upon. The Program is designed for the Disabled Persons based on their present ability and the contemporary needs of society. The Special educational and empowerment project is designed to mobilize Disabled Persons without Functional Legs towards the attainment of:
Self Realization: This is based on our understanding that Disabled Persons without Functional Legs are human beings, nursed in their mothers’ wombs with hope, born with great aspirations, talents and abilities and have significant contributions to community development.
Better Human Relationship: This is based on our belief and understanding that both the abled and disabled persons need to live for the sake of each other, and care for one another as members of one human family, united in purpose and common destiny.
Creative Ability Development: This is based on our understanding that even without functional legs, the Disabled persons can use others parts of their bodies, like their hands to survive without begging and also to contribute to societal growth. The Project will expose and train the Disabled Persons without Functional Legs on how to use their heart, head and hand (3H) to earn a living, build better human relationships and become better creative citizens.
The Program is aimed at bridging the educational divide, multiplying educational opportunities and eradicating educational discrimination. The program will involve Computer and Communication Technology Training (CCTT). We will train 250 Disabled Persons without Functional Legs in Kumasi in Computer Education and training in the use and maintenance of communication gadgets like mobile handsets and telephone. This is geared towards recovering and utilizing the ability in disability in order to equip disabled persons to meet the emerging challenges of the Information and Communication Technology age of the 21st Century.
PROJECT STAGES:
The entire Project is divided into four stages and will be implemented accordingly as follows:
Mobilization and Registration of the Disabled Persons: This stage involves the general mobilization and registration of the Disabled Persons for the training and empowerment programs. This stage also involves seeking for public support from able persons, International and Local Organizations for the program. The program will commence with 250 Disabled Persons Living without Functional Legs, fully mobilized and offered provisional registration for the project. We will reach out to Disabled Persons on the streets and at the Disabled Persons Homes within Kumasi and neighboring Towns in Ashanti Region.
Cultivation of the Heart of the Disabled Persons: This stage involves the actual training of the Disabled Persons on basic hygiene, respect for others, patience, determination and courage. This aspect of the program focuses on good character development and global citizenship consciousness. The Program will teach the Disabled Persons to cultivate the attitude of wiliness to learn about Information and Communication Education, with particular emphasis on the use of Computers, Mobile Handsets and others IT materials.
Development of the Head and Hands: This stage involves the development of the head to utilize the hands of Disabled Persons and is subdivided as follows:
Basic Literacy and Mathematical Skills Course: This course is designed to offer refresher programs for the Disabled Persons on reading, speaking and writing in English as well as basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, counting, calculation and measuring, etc.
Mobile Handsets Utilization Training Course: In Kumasi and its surrounding environs, there is a growing patronage for pre-paid phone business, especially with the use of Mobile Handsets (GSM). Since the targeted audience is Disabled Persons without Functional Legs, the use of handsets for commercial purposes is one of the easiest means of empowering them. The program will train Disabled Persons without Functional Legs on how to use, operate and repair Mobile handsets.
Computer Training Course: This course is designed to expose Disabled Persons without Functional Legs to use their hands and hands to learn basic Computer operations and applications as well as basic ICT Education. Courses to be covered at this stage of the project include Keyboard Mastery, Word Processing, PowerPoint presentation, Website designing, Computer Graphics and Designs, Computer Applications, the Internet and emailing, etc.
Multi-purpose Community Teaching and Learning Center: Stage Four of this project involves the setting up of a Disabled Persons Multi-purpose Community Teaching and Learning Center. The Center shall provide and offer programs in conventional computer services to the public for purposes of sustainability, community education and skills acquisition, among others.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:
a. Project Orientation and Project Management training: In the first month of the program, All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) and the ( ) will constitute a seven member of Project Implementation Committee (PIC), headed by the Project Manager. The Project Implementation Committee will be made up of members with track records in organizational and projects management. With the PIC in place, a two-day Project Orientation and Management Meeting will be held to intimate all members of the project team with the content and expectations from the proposal and project.
b. Establishment of a Project Advisory Committee: To ensure that the project is implemented effectively and continues to enjoy the confidence and support of the communities and gatekeepers in the communities, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will be constituted in the first month of project. Community leaders, representatives of the Disabled Persons Associations and elected government officials will make up membership of this committee. The Committee, to be chaired by a reputable influential, will meet quarterly with the Project Implementation Committee to discuss project activities, progress and/or difficulties encountered in the course of implementation and the way forward. The Project Advisory Committee is advisory and will not be directly involved in the day-to-day management of the project.
c. Advocacy and Sensitization with Stakeholders: Advocacy and sensitization meetings will be held with key influential and gatekeepers prior to project take-off with the intended audience. In the second Month of the project, three members of our Advocacy and Community Mobilization Team will lead the Project Advocacy Initiative that will target government officials, traditional leaders, NGOs in the Region as well as neighboring Disabled Persons Homes.
d. Networking and Special Events: NGOs and CBOs working together on a number of social issues have helped to bring about major shifts in population and development issues. All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) and ( ) will establish effective linkages with NGOs and facilities involved with similar interventions around the world. The Disabled Persons undergoing the training program will undertake special events as rallies, dances, singing and marching to demonstrate their abilities in disability and to create awareness to the general public. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) will be distributed at such occasions.
PROJECT BUDGET:
No. Items Required Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost
1 Fairly Used Computers 10 $250 $2500
2 Printers 1 $100 $100
3 Floppy Diskettes 250 $2 $500
4 Tables 10 $30 $300
5 Chairs 10 $30 $300
6 Scanning Machine 1 $100 $100
7 Photocopier 1 $400 $400
8 Flip Chart 2 $50 $100
9 Exercises Books 300 $2 $600
10 Projectors 1 $250 $250
11 Printing 300 $4 $1200
12 UPs 10 $5 $50
13 Generating Set 1 $200 $200
14 Fans 5 $10 $50
15 Files 300 $5 $1500
16 Space Rental 1 $240 * 24mo $5760
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET $13,910
MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN:
We will carry out a process evaluation to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the project and its impact on the Disabled Persons and their communities. The evaluation will include both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Attendance List and Participating Sheets will be used to measure the strength of the project components and exposure. The process evaluation will also examine how participants interacted during project implementation and also document changes in relationship before, during and after project implementation as well as fidelity of the intervention.
Benchmarks will be tracked through process indicator reports as follows:
Number of PIC and PAC Meetings held
Number of Advocacy and Sensitization meetings held
Number of persons reached through advocacy and sensitization
Number of Training Sessions successfully conducted
Number of Disabled Persons successfully Trained
Quantity of Training Resources or materials purchased for the project
Quantity of Training Materials effectively used during project implementation
Number of special events held by Disabled Persons
Data for the indicators will be collected through Key Informants Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Process Indicator Forms and Training Reports.
CAPACITY STATEMENT:
All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is a Faith-based, not-for-profit, NGO whose mission is the glory of God, the promotion of education and the relief of poverty by challenging and changing those practices that generate and sustain poverty. Founded in 2003, our mission is to rid our society of sin and other social ills militating against the will of God and our collective social existence. We work primarily but not exclusively, in Nigeria in order to build self-reliance, health and capacity. The Foundation provides a platform for the maximum expression of youthful creativity and the harnessing of the rich potentials of young people for the promotion of positive social change and transformation towards sustainable growth and authentic development. We organize conferences. Trainings workshops for youths on leadership development, interfaith dialogue and cooperation, Culture of Peace Education, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Drug abuse Prevention, Asset-Building, Family Support Programs, ICT development, among others.
The Organization is administered by Board of Directors, Executives, Patrons and Matrons and a wonderful team of selfless and dedicated Volunteers.
The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is dedicated to demonstrating the love and power of God and to bringing people into a life-changing relationship with his son Jesus Christ. AYAN is all about young people having a positive place to grow as a young person. Always fun and entertaining, the Word of God is presented in a way in which young people will grow to understand the principles of Jesus Christ. Through various forms of interactive media (video, music), drama, dance, open forums, the Word of God is presented in a real and effective way.
All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) was established in September 2007. The AYAN Community program continues to be one of the largest and most effective Christian substance abuse recovery, HIV/AIDS, and prevention programs of its kind.
AYAN is a non-profit Christian Youth organization and a collaboration initiative that relies entirely on the generous donations, funding and volunteer efforts of both individuals and organizations throughout our Nation in order to offer services at no cost to the individual. It is the belief of AYAN that community involvement and support is an essential component of recovery and necessary in providing services that address the specific needs of the communities involved.
AYAN History
AYAN was established in September 6th 2007, by Kenneth PaaKojo Mensah and other Christian friends. Since its first Community opened in Onwe in October 2007, AYAN has grown to over 5 communities within the Ejisu Juaben District and 5 communities within Kumasi, all in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Affiliation
All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is affiliated with End Time Harvest Ministries International (Canada), End Time Gospel Life Ministry, Oforikrom-Kumasi (Ghana), and Global Youth Ministry Network, Mansfield, Ohio – USA.
Statement of Purpose
What we are is a spiritual recovery program in service to disenfranchised, helpless, lost, and hurting people in the community.
The mission of All Youth Awake Network (AYAN)
To identify and actively engage young potential leaders in Youth Seminars, help them understand their own strengths and abilities, and teach them how to use their gifts to positively influence others to serve their communities and their nation.
TO REACH the youth generation with the message of JESUS CHRIST, through running large scale events and RESOURCING THE LOCAL CHURCH.
To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to tear down the strongholds that the enemy has placed on young adults.
To show God’s love through example and in a practical manner by providing for the needs of the homeless, poor, needy and dysfunctional people in our community. Our goal is Rescue and Rehabilitation.
To provide youth, adults and children an effective and comprehensive faith-based solution to drug and alcohol addiction as well as other life-controlling problems.
To enabling and equipping those we serve to find freedom from addictive behavior, to become socially and emotionally healthy, physically well and spiritually alive.
To reaches out to people from all backgrounds, with particular emphasis on the urban poor, women and ethnic minorities.
OUR VALUES:
Commitment: We celebrate, recognize and reward passion, dedication and loyalty to the mission and vision of AYAN.
Communication: We practice clear, timely and consistent communication, recognizing this as the basis for effective team work, efficient problem solving and organizational success.
Excellence: We demonstrate excellence in all our activities going the extra mile to ensure that our programmes, services and operations are world class and of the highest standards.
Integrity: We consistently demonstrate transparency and truthfulness in all our dealings.
Respect: We recognize and celebrate the diversity in our society and demonstrate respect in all of our interactions with different stakeholders.
Result-Oriented: We focus on outcomes, not activities. Through our programmes, we change mindsets and behaviour - inspiring, empowering and equipping our participants with the tools, skills and support that they need to effectively lead positive change efforts in their Schools and communities.
PROGRAMMES
OUTREACH AND PREVENTION
Community Outreach and Prevention Programs
School Teams - Our School Presentation team visits schools, from junior high through senior high schools, and universities putting on shows for the student, skits that are both fun and informative are acted out. There is a definite message in the skits, most often an anti-drug one or a "school is cool" theme. In addition, between skits, members of the team give personal testimonies of their past life of drug abuse and how AYAN has given them a chance at a new life.
Drama Teams - One of the many ways AYAN serves the community is the New Creation Drama Team. Comprised of 10 to 15 AYAN members, the drama teams are a very effective and fun way of reaching out to the community. Like our school team presentations there is a definite message in the skits, most often an anti-drug message. Between skits, members of the drama team give personal testimonies of their past life of drug abuse and how AYAN has given them a chance at a new life.
Drug Education - Teams are invited into private and public schools to present informative, age relevant presentations which encourage youngsters not to use drugs. Those who are already using drugs are counseled.
Choir - The New Creation Choir is a group of AYAN members who sing and provide testimonies. They travel to local churches and organizations all over Ghana. So many people in the community are directly affected by the tragedy of drug abuse. Either they are personally involved with drugs or a son or daughter or mother or father or friend or loved one is being devastated by dangerous drugs. The New Creation Choir, through their inspiring songs and life changing testimonies is always a heart touching ray of hope to anyone who sees and hears them. If you would like to have the AYAN New Creation Choir visit your church or school or organizations contact the AYAN secretariat.
Turning Point
Life is constantly changing for youth, many times in today's world the changes are not for the better. Youth crimes, gang violence and anti-social behavior among youth all over the world remain a major concern especially in urban communities. Youth are facing challenges never before seen from constant negative media images, to the proliferation of drugs and alcohol among teens, to broken families and social disintegration it is obvious that young people need specific directions and instruction to correct damage that has already been done and to prevent damage to come.
AYAN hold weekly meetings at various communities such as Turning Point. Turning Point's purpose is to establish an effective, on-going, Community-based group to help people overcome and/or remain free of life-controlling problems. The desire is to apply the truths of Scripture to the struggles that we face in order that we may grow in our relationship to God and experience growing freedom from the "corruption in the world caused by evil desires".
Learning Center
AYAN will establish several After-School Learning Centers and Prevention Programs designed to encourage children and youth to achieve their highest academic and individual potential. The After-School Learning Center will provide educational components that will include tutoring and mentoring (volunteers), technological opportunities, family-related workshops and counseling, leadership formation activities, quality partnerships and individual relationships.
The After-School Learning centers will seeks out those students who are most at-risk for social and/or academic failure with a particular emphasis on those students who (1) have been identified as victims of child abuse or domestic violence, (2) are from low-income families, (3) are at high risk for academic failure and (4) those who have been identified as “hard to reach.”
Vocational Training
Overview - Research has shown that academic and social achievement often serves as protective factors against drug and alcohol abuse. Inversely, those individuals who have low academic or social achievement are at high risk of developing a problem with drugs or alcohol.
The AYAN vocational training programs will empower individuals to become self-sufficient, provide for the needs of their families, and to become leaders in their communities. The vocational training and learning center completion program is one of several reasons why AYAN will continue to be, so successful.
Employment Preparation - Some topics covered in this class for AYAN members are: Resume Writing, Interview Tips and Techniques, Goals and Action Plans, Job Search Skills, Professional Communications, and Problem Solving to name a few. The goal of the class is to prepare each member to be able to answer:
• "What style resume should I use?"
• "How should I answer that question if a potential employer asks it?"
• "What should I do to prepare for an interview?"
Event
Youth Awake Conference
Youth Awake conference” AYAN annual conference is a major youth event. Experience 4 days and nights of powerful dramas, live worship, internationally and locally acclaimed gospel artists and great speakers. Drawing thousands of young people, with youth groups coming from other parts of the world, You Don’t Want to Miss This!! The conference is aiming to strengthen the faith of believers but also to reach out to those who do not have a clear direction for their lives. Youth Awake conference is a lively, energetic event with dynamic teaching, preaching, music, drama and special events that will captivate young people of Ghana.
Super Weekends,
Youth Awake Weekends consists of a Friday night session which is designed to challenge youth to the very core combining teaching, music, drama and audio visual presentations. Saturday morning consists of a second session for Youth covering some of life's most important issues including Sex & Relationships and Personal Development, Making the Most of Your Teenage Years and other topics helping youth to make decisions that would impact them for the rest of their lives.
On Saturday also is a Special session for Youth Pastors, Youth Workers and Youth Leaders. This session deals with how Youth Workers can be effective in reaching teaching and ministering to today's teens. This covers creative strategies and practical advice from leaders who have spent years in effective youth ministry.
Saturday Night’s session consists of a concert featuring exciting musical guests and others.
Youth Awake Weekends come on every last week of every three month.
Mind Games Summit
Mind Games Summit is designed for all youth and youth leaders are also encourage to attend. Mind Games Summit gives time for personal interaction; Youth have time to study, worship and eat. Mind Games Summit will give youth the basic tool and methods they will need to respond to tough question about their faith. It will enable the youth to defend their belief with intellectual integrity, clarity, patience and compassion. Youth will leave the summit with their faith strengthened and their knowledge increased.
Mind Games Summit truly changes lives, giving youth a new confidence in their God, His Word, and in their role as His ambassadors. This is an investment in the youth that will pay dividends for a lifetime. Mind Games Summit comes on every last Saturday of every month.
Pray Ghana
"PRAY Ghana” is a national ministry initiative by All Youth Awake Network (AYAN). All over Ghana our High Schools are being bombarded with gangs, violence, teen pregnancy, drugs, sexual abuse, homosexuality and lesbianism. Therefore unless we who are members of the body of Christ step up to the plate and do something, then we can expect the continual slide of morals in Ghana's high schools.
Therefore "PRAY Ghana" will bring together pastors, church congregations, parents, students, elected officials and all citizens who are concerned with the survival and moral standards of our high school students. In this initiative we are asking people to gather around the flag poles of Ghana on Saturday's once a month and pray for our students, teachers and the institution of education.
How will "PRAY Ghana" work? We would appoint a city prayer coordinator to bring together all of those who are concerned about our schools together once a month to pray for the issues involving our high schools. It is just that simple.
Leadership Core of "PRAY Ghana"
National Coordinator
City Coordinator
We will be sending our letters to our nations school districts in order to gain permission to pray on Saturday mornings once a month. Then at that point we will identify all high schools in each city and give direction and leadership to cover those schools with people who will pray. We want to have parents, pastors and preachers, teachers, students and city and local officials as well.
We will ask each city coordinator to have a press conference in their city in order to inform the community of what we are trying to do. We will be contacting the nation’s major news carriers and getting them involved as well.
__________________________________________________
SIX-MONTH STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
JUNE, 2008 – DECEMBER, 2008
________________________________________________________
This Six-Month Strategic Development Plan is a product of close to three months intensive work by the Executives of the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN). It is a summary of our very modest work, what we stand for and what we intend to achieve in the next Six Month (May, 2008 – December, 2008), God being on our side. As a product of human hands, we recognize that this Strategic Development Plan is neither supreme nor absolute. We will also be guided by wisdom, knowledge, experience and exigencies of our historical circumstances.
By providing this Six - Month Strategic Development Plan, we are recognizing the importance and role of proper planning for the realization, authentication and success of any venture. Planning is an essential ingredient and significant component of success. He who fails to plan, it is said, plans to fail. As we commit and rededicate ourselves to the service of God and fellow human beings, our goal is to positively impact and transform the lives of individuals and render our communities more habitable where, accordingly to the Holy Scripture, “Lion and Lamb” dwell together in love, peace and perfect harmony.
May, 2008
In Kumasi - Ghana.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is a Faith-based, not-for-profit. Non-Governmental Organization whose object is the glory of God, the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ on earth, the promotion of education and the relief of poverty among Christian Youths, by challenging and changing those practices that generate and sustain poverty. Founded in September 2007, our mission is to rid our society of sin, crime and other social ills militating against the will of God and our collective social existence. We work primarily, but not exclusively, in Ghana in order to build self-reliance, health and capacity.
The Organization is dedicated to empowering Christian Youths to lead others to participate in the life of the Trinity by breaking down barriers prohibiting a growing healthy and sustainable relationship with God. Our passion is to liberate young Christians from the shackles and strangulation of worldliness to enable them experience the loving embrace of Jesus Christ. We organize conferences, workshops, seminars, Career counseling and training programs, focusing on potential release, inviting all Christians to constantly depend on, and to consistently draw on the grace of God, hear His voice and experience His guiding hand through all aspects of their lives, so that the Christian walk is recognized and embraced by society as authentic and attractive. To achieve this, we seek the transformation of societies through leadership development and personal transformation, taking cognizance of the fact that every individual is important and relevant in God’s eyes. Our focus therefore, is the individual. Every individual is a mission and a challenge both to himself and to fellow human beings.
OUR ENVIRONMENT:
The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) seeks to address the impacts of poverty, social injustice and imbalances, conflict and social dislocation in communities, including their root causes, where we live and work. It is our believe and faith that as we continue to address these problems from their roots causes, we will also proffer practical solutions which when accepted in good faith and translated into positive actions, would become indices for authentic growth, social transformation and genuine development. To achieve this, we will continue to collaborate with others in local, National, Regional and International Initiatives to strategize and develop cultures and practices in which we share and apply our experiences and learning.
THE ORGANIZATION’S VISION:
The Vision of the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is people transformed and empowered by Christian Principles and providing outstanding leadership, direction, healing and hope to a world that is broken and fragmented by sin. Our ultimate goal is to build a community-led planning and transformation process that encompasses crime reduction and prevention, employment, education and capacity, health, the enhancement of faith connections and the expansion of existing civic structures. Micah 6:8 calls us to “do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly with God”. This is our motivation to act in interests beyond our own self-interests, to care for and share with others. In line with the character of Jesus who calls us to follow his footsteps and to show concern for those trapped into harmful conditions by powers greater than themselves, the Scriptures invite us to be Voice to the Voiceless and to seek justice for the oppressed, the marginalized and the powerless (Proverbs 29:7, 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:15-17. 10:1-3, Mark 12:38-40). We will do all in our power to influence Governments and others in positions of power to make legislations and policies which lift up the poor, protect the vulnerable and make conditions possible for the rehabilitation of the outcast. We will seek transformation and change at the deepest and most profound levels by working to touch people at the core of their values, beliefs, hopes, motivations and understanding of reality. Our ultimate goal is new men and new women, becoming more and more like the Lord Jesus and working to see their whole communities transformed by the power of his Compassionate Love and healing Word.
THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION:
The Mission of the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) clearly reflects the special biblical mandate given to us by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 9:37-38, and it reads:
“The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few.
So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest;
Ask him to send out more workers for his fields”.
The Organization came into existence as a direct response to the above mandate, in September 2007. From this very humble beginning, we have committed our resources, talents, energies and time towards facilitating and leading initiatives aimed at:
Building and strengthening the individual capacities of young people to make biblically-shaped responses to social challenges in the contemporary world.
Working with local churches and communities to inculcate family values and promote a greater sense of our shared experience.
Nurturing the spiritual life of young Christians such that they become worthy Ambassadors of the Lord Jesus.
Igniting young Christians for workplace transformation by modeling our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Equipping young Christians to minister effectively in the name of Christ in the Church and in the society.
THE ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS:
Over the Months, our programs have continued to exhibit and demonstrate a rich blend or combination of Theology and Practice. We seek and will continue to always enlist the full armor of God in Prayer and active good works as we move forward in faith, love, charity and service. Some of our major programs, events and project focus areas are listed below:
The Christian Youths Leadership Building Program
Asset-Based Community Development and Talents Discovery
The Family Support Initiative
The Stop Child Poverty and Emancipation Initiative
The Interfaith Youth and Peace building Program
Information and Communication Technology for Development Initiative
The Integrated Family Education Program
The Youth Alcohol, Drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Project
WHERE WE ARE NOW:
At the close of May 2008, the All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) has about 120 active, selfless and very dedicated Volunteers. We have also established partnership and formal linkages with 5 International Organizations.
THE WAY FORWARD:
The Organization’s Six- Month Strategic Development Plan is categorized under the following three headings and based on the Organization’s Program Focus and Objectives as highlighted above:
The Development of the Organization
Capacity Building, Education and Training
Information Sharing, Networking and Partnership
1. The Development of the Organization:
a. Strengthening of our Membership base: We will seek to strengthen and increase our Membership base to 500 Volunteers by the end of December, 2008. We will identify and invite individuals interested in our work and in providing selfless community services to join and work with us.
b. Appointment of Patrons and Matrons at the Community level: We will identify, nominate, confirm and appoint 5 individuals as Patrons and Matrons to our various Communities by the end of September, 2008. Appointment of Patrons and Matrons shall be based on the individual’s spiritual and social integrity, sound leadership qualities, experience, age (40 and above), love for truth, our faith and the youth.
c. Our New and Permanent Secretariat Complex: A lot of money will be required for this purpose. Preliminary survey indicates that about $20,000 will be required to complete and equip our Secretariat. We will seek financial and material support from individuals, foundations, trusts; local, regional and international Organizations to enable us build and relocate to our permanent site. We will also undertake a number of fundraising initiatives to actualize this great dream. The Secretariat will accommodate a number of facilities, including Offices, a Mini-Library, a Prayer Center or Chapel, a Conference Hall, a Guest House and our Multipurpose Community Development and Youth Empowerment Center. The Center when completed will provide training opportunities for young people in Bicycle Repair and Maintenance, Basic Computer Software and Hardware Maintenance, Soap and Candle Making, Tailoring, Knitting, Barbing and Hairdressing, Carpentry and other Educational programs on HIV/AIDS, Drug abuse and Reproductive Health, Culture of Peace Education, Leadership Development, Interfaith Dialogue and Conflict Mediation, among others.
2. Capacity Building, Education and Training:
a. We will finalize the development of our Training Curriculum and formally commence our Integrated Family Education Program, an inspirational initiative dedicated to the realization of the objectives of the family by facilitating the raising of marriages and homes that will give birth to, and raise children to become responsible social citizens and make our societies better and more habitable.
b. We will organize a number of conferences and training programs on Leadership development, Asset-Building, Community Service and active youth participation. We will convene and host the following conferences, workshops and programs in Kumasi and other part of Ghana.
(i) 1st Youth Awake Conference
(ii) 1st Youth Awake Weekends
(iii) 1st Mind Games Summit
(iv) 1st Pray Ghana
(v) We will intensify our efforts and campaigns for the establishment of the Ghanaian Christian Youth Forum.
3. Information Sharing, Networking and Partnership
a. The Organization will develop a website and continue to update regularly as well as resume the publication of our quarterly Newsletter known as “FOCUS”. The quarterly Newsletter will be distributed online through our website and to our Volunteers, sponsors, supporters, partners, fiends and the interested public for free.
b. We will strengthen existing linkages and partnerships with individuals, local, national, regional and international Organizations by sending them monthly and Quarterly updates and reports of our activities and programs as well as regularly inviting contributions, comments and suggestions from them.
The Kumasi Computer Literacy Project
PROJECT DOCUMENT
PROJECT GOAL:
The goal of the Kumasi Computer Literacy Project is to empower Disabled Persons without Functional Legs to become skilled, self-reliant and productive members of the society. The Program is aimed at bridging the educational divide, multiplying educational opportunities and eradicating educational discrimination.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Kumasi, the cosmopolitan city and capital of Ashanti Region of Ghana and the surrounding communities is fast becoming a city for all- a melting point for several groups of people seeking for a means for basic survival. From the late 1990s, the influx of disabled persons seeking means of livelihood has increased tremendously, ranging from the blind to deaf and dumb, and more recently Disabled Persons Living Without Functional Legs. While some were born disabled, others grew to become disabled due to polio. As a result of the climatic and social conditions in the Southern parts of Ghana.
Unfortunately, most of the Disabled Persons have no skilled ability for self-employment or for employment by companies. This has led to the massive influx of such Disabled Persons to highways, traffic junctions, motor parks, churches/mosques and market gates as beggars always asking for alms and charities. The days they succeed, they are assured of food, but for most days they end without food. Most of the Disabled Persons, due to frustration resort to drug and substance abuse, criminality and other forms of anti-social behaviors. The few privilege number of Disabled Persons has been camped in Disabled Persons homes operated by Faith-based Organizations like Churches, Mosques and other humanitarian Organizations. At most of these camps, they are provided with food, accommodation and clothing periodically based on charities from the public and corporate bodies. There is actually very little clothing, medical care and almost no educational opportunities or training in life skills that can prepare them to become self-reliant or employable.
As Street beggars, Disabled Persons without Functional Legs are exposed to high risks on the highways and streets. In the absence of an alternative means of livelihood, street begging has remained the only option for survival of these fellow citizens and creatures of the Most High God.
THE RESPONSE:
In response to this social and educational problem, All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) in collaboration with the ( ) is pioneering the creation of a special educational and empowerment program for the Disabled Persons Without Functional Legs to become skilled, self-reliant, productive and useful to themselves and their communities. The All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) recognizes the fact that the Disabled Persons are human beings, created in the same “image and likeness” and share a common origin and destiny with the rest of us, and should not be discriminated upon. The Program is designed for the Disabled Persons based on their present ability and the contemporary needs of society. The Special educational and empowerment project is designed to mobilize Disabled Persons without Functional Legs towards the attainment of:
Self Realization: This is based on our understanding that Disabled Persons without Functional Legs are human beings, nursed in their mothers’ wombs with hope, born with great aspirations, talents and abilities and have significant contributions to community development.
Better Human Relationship: This is based on our belief and understanding that both the abled and disabled persons need to live for the sake of each other, and care for one another as members of one human family, united in purpose and common destiny.
Creative Ability Development: This is based on our understanding that even without functional legs, the Disabled persons can use others parts of their bodies, like their hands to survive without begging and also to contribute to societal growth. The Project will expose and train the Disabled Persons without Functional Legs on how to use their heart, head and hand (3H) to earn a living, build better human relationships and become better creative citizens.
The Program is aimed at bridging the educational divide, multiplying educational opportunities and eradicating educational discrimination. The program will involve Computer and Communication Technology Training (CCTT). We will train 250 Disabled Persons without Functional Legs in Kumasi in Computer Education and training in the use and maintenance of communication gadgets like mobile handsets and telephone. This is geared towards recovering and utilizing the ability in disability in order to equip disabled persons to meet the emerging challenges of the Information and Communication Technology age of the 21st Century.
PROJECT STAGES:
The entire Project is divided into four stages and will be implemented accordingly as follows:
Mobilization and Registration of the Disabled Persons: This stage involves the general mobilization and registration of the Disabled Persons for the training and empowerment programs. This stage also involves seeking for public support from able persons, International and Local Organizations for the program. The program will commence with 250 Disabled Persons Living without Functional Legs, fully mobilized and offered provisional registration for the project. We will reach out to Disabled Persons on the streets and at the Disabled Persons Homes within Kumasi and neighboring Towns in Ashanti Region.
Cultivation of the Heart of the Disabled Persons: This stage involves the actual training of the Disabled Persons on basic hygiene, respect for others, patience, determination and courage. This aspect of the program focuses on good character development and global citizenship consciousness. The Program will teach the Disabled Persons to cultivate the attitude of wiliness to learn about Information and Communication Education, with particular emphasis on the use of Computers, Mobile Handsets and others IT materials.
Development of the Head and Hands: This stage involves the development of the head to utilize the hands of Disabled Persons and is subdivided as follows:
Basic Literacy and Mathematical Skills Course: This course is designed to offer refresher programs for the Disabled Persons on reading, speaking and writing in English as well as basic mathematical operations of addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, counting, calculation and measuring, etc.
Mobile Handsets Utilization Training Course: In Kumasi and its surrounding environs, there is a growing patronage for pre-paid phone business, especially with the use of Mobile Handsets (GSM). Since the targeted audience is Disabled Persons without Functional Legs, the use of handsets for commercial purposes is one of the easiest means of empowering them. The program will train Disabled Persons without Functional Legs on how to use, operate and repair Mobile handsets.
Computer Training Course: This course is designed to expose Disabled Persons without Functional Legs to use their hands and hands to learn basic Computer operations and applications as well as basic ICT Education. Courses to be covered at this stage of the project include Keyboard Mastery, Word Processing, PowerPoint presentation, Website designing, Computer Graphics and Designs, Computer Applications, the Internet and emailing, etc.
Multi-purpose Community Teaching and Learning Center: Stage Four of this project involves the setting up of a Disabled Persons Multi-purpose Community Teaching and Learning Center. The Center shall provide and offer programs in conventional computer services to the public for purposes of sustainability, community education and skills acquisition, among others.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES:
a. Project Orientation and Project Management training: In the first month of the program, All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) and the ( ) will constitute a seven member of Project Implementation Committee (PIC), headed by the Project Manager. The Project Implementation Committee will be made up of members with track records in organizational and projects management. With the PIC in place, a two-day Project Orientation and Management Meeting will be held to intimate all members of the project team with the content and expectations from the proposal and project.
b. Establishment of a Project Advisory Committee: To ensure that the project is implemented effectively and continues to enjoy the confidence and support of the communities and gatekeepers in the communities, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will be constituted in the first month of project. Community leaders, representatives of the Disabled Persons Associations and elected government officials will make up membership of this committee. The Committee, to be chaired by a reputable influential, will meet quarterly with the Project Implementation Committee to discuss project activities, progress and/or difficulties encountered in the course of implementation and the way forward. The Project Advisory Committee is advisory and will not be directly involved in the day-to-day management of the project.
c. Advocacy and Sensitization with Stakeholders: Advocacy and sensitization meetings will be held with key influential and gatekeepers prior to project take-off with the intended audience. In the second Month of the project, three members of our Advocacy and Community Mobilization Team will lead the Project Advocacy Initiative that will target government officials, traditional leaders, NGOs in the Region as well as neighboring Disabled Persons Homes.
d. Networking and Special Events: NGOs and CBOs working together on a number of social issues have helped to bring about major shifts in population and development issues. All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) and ( ) will establish effective linkages with NGOs and facilities involved with similar interventions around the world. The Disabled Persons undergoing the training program will undertake special events as rallies, dances, singing and marching to demonstrate their abilities in disability and to create awareness to the general public. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) will be distributed at such occasions.
PROJECT BUDGET:
No. Items Required Quantity Unit Cost Total Cost
1 Fairly Used Computers 10 $250 $2500
2 Printers 1 $100 $100
3 Floppy Diskettes 250 $2 $500
4 Tables 10 $30 $300
5 Chairs 10 $30 $300
6 Scanning Machine 1 $100 $100
7 Photocopier 1 $400 $400
8 Flip Chart 2 $50 $100
9 Exercises Books 300 $2 $600
10 Projectors 1 $250 $250
11 Printing 300 $4 $1200
12 UPs 10 $5 $50
13 Generating Set 1 $200 $200
14 Fans 5 $10 $50
15 Files 300 $5 $1500
16 Space Rental 1 $240 * 24mo $5760
TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET $13,910
MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN:
We will carry out a process evaluation to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the project and its impact on the Disabled Persons and their communities. The evaluation will include both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Attendance List and Participating Sheets will be used to measure the strength of the project components and exposure. The process evaluation will also examine how participants interacted during project implementation and also document changes in relationship before, during and after project implementation as well as fidelity of the intervention.
Benchmarks will be tracked through process indicator reports as follows:
Number of PIC and PAC Meetings held
Number of Advocacy and Sensitization meetings held
Number of persons reached through advocacy and sensitization
Number of Training Sessions successfully conducted
Number of Disabled Persons successfully Trained
Quantity of Training Resources or materials purchased for the project
Quantity of Training Materials effectively used during project implementation
Number of special events held by Disabled Persons
Data for the indicators will be collected through Key Informants Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Process Indicator Forms and Training Reports.
CAPACITY STATEMENT:
All Youth Awake Network (AYAN) is a Faith-based, not-for-profit, NGO whose mission is the glory of God, the promotion of education and the relief of poverty by challenging and changing those practices that generate and sustain poverty. Founded in 2003, our mission is to rid our society of sin and other social ills militating against the will of God and our collective social existence. We work primarily but not exclusively, in Nigeria in order to build self-reliance, health and capacity. The Foundation provides a platform for the maximum expression of youthful creativity and the harnessing of the rich potentials of young people for the promotion of positive social change and transformation towards sustainable growth and authentic development. We organize conferences. Trainings workshops for youths on leadership development, interfaith dialogue and cooperation, Culture of Peace Education, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Drug abuse Prevention, Asset-Building, Family Support Programs, ICT development, among others.
The Organization is administered by Board of Directors, Executives, Patrons and Matrons and a wonderful team of selfless and dedicated Volunteers.