Young people seeking opportunities in leadership, policy advocacy and international development have been encouraged to build their capacity, identify problems they want to solve and make themselves visible to the right networks.
The call was made by youth advocate and founder of Kofi Global, Michael Ackon, during an episode of the Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, where he discussed his journey from a childhood with limited opportunities to working in youth advocacy and international development.
According to Mr. Ackon, access to opportunities does not always begin with having powerful connections. In many cases, it starts with knowing what one wants to achieve, developing the skills required, and deliberately putting oneself in spaces where opportunities can be found.
His own journey, he explained, began with experiences that exposed him to the importance of support and access. Growing up in a single-parent home, opportunities to pursue his education and develop himself were not always readily available. Support from Compassion International played an important role in his educational journey and later influenced his desire to create opportunities for others.
A major turning point came through his participation in the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, which introduced him to areas including leadership, public policy, democracy and global governance.
The Youth Advocate recounted discovering the programme through a colleague and subsequently researching the opportunity before applying. His successful application became a pathway to further exposure, including experiences with international organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF.
According to him, young people must first determine what they want to do and the problem they want to solve. From there, they can develop a roadmap, identify relevant institutions and connect with people who can contribute to their goals.
He encouraged young people to attend relevant events, participate in professional conversations and use digital platforms to communicate their interests, skills and contributions. Such visibility, according to him, can make it easier for people and organisations to recognise where an individual can contribute.
He further encouraged young people to pay attention to their personal presentation, particularly when entering professional and international spaces, where first impressions can influence how others initially perceive them.
The Curator of Kofi Global also challenged the perception that young people need to hold influential positions before they can contribute meaningfully to society.
Beyond accessing opportunities, he encouraged young people to think about the sustainability of the impact they create. Professional growth, he noted, should not simply be about reaching a point of personal success, but also about solving problems, building systems and creating opportunities that can benefit others.
Watch the full episode here…
About Springboard Hangout
Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. This conversation forms part of the ongoing series on Youth in Advocacy, Leadership, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship.
Marketing & Communications
Springboard Road Show Foundation