2024: The Year In Highlights
Welcoming our new Project Officer!
In April 2024, we were delighted to welcome a new project officer, Kwabena Sarpong Ankomako to our team. Sarpong has brought a fresh perspective to our team and comes to us with a background of working with and mentoring young people. Sarpong plays a pivotal role in ensuring our programs are run effectively and has been responsible for managing outreach projects including spearheading our RTB club meetings and coordinating direct support to the young women we work with.
We are pleased to have a dedicated individual in our team, who shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable girls and women.
RTB club
Our club meetings have been a hit at St Augustine’s Basic School with membership of over 100 girls and an average of 50 girls regularly attending fortnightly on Fridays since its inception in May 2024. The club has provided an avenue to support the personal development of our members and instil in them confidence and self-esteem that enables them to make positive and safe choices for themselves. Through the club, we have identified vulnerable girls who may require further support from RTB. RTB has provided advocacy support in the interim whilst assessments are undertaken to determine their support needs.
Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, the LIA retreat with St Augustine’s that was scheduled for July 2024 was unable to hold as planned. However, on 12th July 2024, we successfully donated goody bags containing sanitary pads, deodorant and bath soap to all our members; 110 girls! The LIA retreat with 50 of our club members from St Augustine’s is set to take place on 11th-13th April 2025.
We had the pleasure of medical doctor, Dr Stephanie Badu-Peprah attending our club meeting on 29th November 2024 to deliver a workshop on sex education during which our members were advised against the dangers associated with engaging in premarital and unprotected sex. Also in attendance was our board chairman, Dr Anthony Badu-Peprah who educated our members about sexual assault and the risks of sexual exploitation whilst also encouraging them to dream beyond their present circumstances.
Our club meetings for 2024 at St Augustine’s Basic School concluded with a Christmas party on 18th December 2024. Along with refreshments and music and dance performances, our club members had the opportunity to hear testimonials from LIA retreat alumni who have been receiving support from RTB since 2021.
Raising Future Nurses
In line with our mission to raise young women to occupy their positions as cornerstones of society, we are thrilled to share an update on our ongoing support for five young women on their journey to becoming nurses. Constance, Awusi, Rosina, Ramatu, and Priscilla are at different stages of their academic paths, and we remain dedicated to ensuring they receive the necessary resources to achieve their dreams and are equipped to make a living for themselves through dignified means thereby reducing the risk of sexual exploitation to them.
Since securing admission for Constance and Awusi at a nursing training college and university, respectively, RTB has continued to fund their tuition fees, accommodation, and essential course materials, including a laptop. Awusi, who is pursuing her nursing degree at Garden City University, is making remarkable progress and has successfully reached third year (level 300). She is on track to becoming RTB’s first sponsored graduate —a milestone we are incredibly proud of!
Our commitment extends beyond Awusi and Constance. Priscilla and Ramatu have also been supported apply to Garden City University, Kumasi, for nursing programs. With RTB’s endorsement, we are optimistic that both will secure admission for the January 2025 intake. Their journey is a testament to the impact of our support and their determination to succeed.
Overcoming Challenges
Rosina’s journey has been uniquely challenging, but RTB remains steadfast in our commitment to her success. Due to exceptional circumstances, she has received extensive support, including access to healthcare, maintenance assistance during secondary school, funding for one-on-one remedial classes, and covering the cost of retaking her WASSCE English exam. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, she did not pass the retake, which has temporarily halted her progression to higher education.
However, Rosina’s determination to become a midwife remains unwavering. Recognising her resilience and ambition, RTB has provided her with a second opportunity to attend remedial classes and retake the English exam. We are hopeful that this will pave the way for her to continue her education and ultimately achieve her goal.
Looking Ahead to 2025
We continue to forge ahead in our mission to equip these young women with the tools and support they need to excel and contribute positively to their communities. By investing in their education, we are not only helping them achieve their aspirations but also breaking cycles of exploitation and raising a generation of young women of substance who will make a difference in society.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported RTB’s initiatives. Your donations and encouragement empower these young women to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams with confidence. Together, we are building a brighter future—one nurse at a time.
Having established a strong framework of preventive interventions for girls at risk of sexual exploitation this year, we look forward to a stronger focus on outreach interventions for young women affected by prostitution in 2025.
