First Ever University Bound Program Launches in Ghana

The Youth Institute of Science and Technology (YIST) School of Agogo, Ghana-West Africa, launched the country’s first University Bound Program. Sponsored by Garden City University College located in Kenyasi, Ghana; the YIST University Bound Program is a four week residential academic program for youth eight through sixteen. Last summer, seventeen students from YIST-Agogo and from Notre Dame Preparatory School in Kenyasi, embarked upon a new experience. The students lived in a university dormitory and took classes Monday through Friday at Garden City University College. The class topics ranged from, "Palm Fruit and the Production of Bio Diesel Fuel" "Technology: The Art of Powerpoint", and Career Exploration. In addition to classes, students visited the Kumasi Cultural Centre and Zoo, wrote nightly reflections, and heard from guest lecturers.The summer program was staffed by Shaneka Davis-Program Director and Creative Writing Teacher, Emmanuel Gyimah, Science, Elvis Barnes, Technology and Math Teacher, Rita Nkansah, co-caretaker; and Doreen Oppong, co-caretaker.

In July 2009, the YIST-University Bound Program will partner with HABESHA,Inc. and HelpOrg, Inc., two Metro-Atlanta based organizations to host their first Youth Science Conference featuring Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Practices in Africa. Students from each region of Ghana and neighboring countries of Togo, Mali, and Cote Dvoire will compete for prizes by offering practical, local, renewable energy solutions. U.S. based students of HABESHA- Atlanta, Georgia, HABESHA-Freedom Schools of Mount Vernon, NY, HABESHA-Albany, NY and HABESHA-Washington D.C. will travel to Ghana, West Africa in July 2009 to participate in the Science Conference. The Youth Institute of Science and Technology (YIST) is an NGO school founded in 2006 by Akosua Boateng and Frank Boateng. It is located in the village town of Agogo-Ghana. For more information, email yistafrica@gmail.com or visit www.yist-africa.org, www.habeshainc.org, or www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuy5NtwoY_Q . Tonton Yawo Abotsi (Young Development Switzerland)