By Samuel SAM
Savana Signatures, an NGO dedicated to Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), has reiterated its dedication to fostering innovation, promoting cooperation, and ensuring inclusion as part of their efforts to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the target year of 2030.
In an exclusive interview with the Business and Financial Times , the Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Agbenyo, emphasized the organization's progress aligned with its 2024 theme – ‘ A Year of Empowering Communities by Fostering Learning to Spark Development ’ He mentioned that the organization's efforts keep reshaping lives, emphasizing the use of digital resources to foster empowerment and promote sustainable growth.
Wellness and vitality via advancements
"In the realm of healthcare, we have Fostering Social and Behavioral Change (FSBC) and Nutrition in Retail “Projects have achieved notable progress,” observed Dr. Agbenyo. Utilizing ICT-powered health education resources and community-led initiatives like the Engagement within Communities for Health and Well-being (CE4HW) initiative and Goodlife Health Fairs Savana Signatures has reached hundreds of thousands through vital health messaging.
He stated that these programs have promoted community involvement in managing health outcomes and established sustainable approaches for delivering healthcare, especially in areas with limited access to services.
Bridging educational gaps
As part of its comprehensive approach to quality education, the organization initiated the implementation of Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and Ghanaian Rural Youths Advancing Their Education This initiative focused on addressing significant inequalities affecting rural young people—particularly girls—by implementing teacher training programs, developing school retention tactics, and providing reproductive health education.
He mentioned that they had motivated thousands of teenagers, supported their educational development, and made sure they stayed enrolled in schools.
Advancing governance and inclusion
Savana Signatures demonstrated their commitment to democratic engagement through their involvement in various initiatives. Your Voice Matters 4 The initiative, which invigorated marginalized communities spanning eight districts within the Oti Region.
"We shared electoral data with more than 3,000 people and provided training for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to carry out polling station audits before Ghana’s 2024 General Elections, thus fostering greater political participation and access," he noted.
Addressing malnutrition and bolstering resilience
Food security and nutrition were also major focuses. Through this, Nutrition in Retail support for projects and consulting services provided through the World Food Programme Farmer Support Activity Savana Signatures encouraged the use of locally produced, nutrient-enriched foods and advocated for sustainable agricultural methods through various initiatives. Kpododo Mobile messaging platform.
These initiatives impacted thousands of individuals, including people with disabilities (PWDs), expectant mothers, lactating parents, and teenagers, through educational sessions, cooking demonstrations, and nutritional quizzes conducted in the Sagnarigu and Karaga Districts.
Enhancing young people's capabilities via healthcare accessibility
When tackling reproductive health, the SHE+ Helpline Provided confidential counseling and information on sexual health and gender-based violence to more than 2,000 young individuals—primarily girls. "This turned into an essential service, empowering the youth to make well-informed choices regarding their wellbeing and prospects," Dr. Agbenyo stated.
Core focus on digital solutions
As an organization focused on ICT for development, Savana Signatures integrates digital solutions into every aspect of its initiatives—including education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. "Our belief is that everybody deserves access to resources that enhance their standard of living and foster more resilient communities," he stated emphatically.
One of the key initiatives was the Media Literacy and Youth Empowerment for Peaceful Elections The project provided young people with digital and media literacy skills, encouraged gender equality, and ensured access to healthcare via community involvement.
Looking forward
Dr. Agbenyo ended optimistically, stating that with ongoing backing from donors, collaborators, and local communities, Savana Signatures is ideally situated to expand its influence and strengthen its purpose moving into 2025 and thereafter.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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