LocationsUNDP kicks off outreach in Senior High Schools to introduce the Young Africa Innovates Programme
August 15, 2025
In black is Allen Anie, PhD, Chief Technical Advisor for the Young Africa Innovate Programme in Ghana and next to him with the painting is and Neptune Elorm Kwaku together with some teachers from Mampong Schjool for the deaf
Innovation has the power to transform communities and create new opportunities for the next generation. But for innovation to be truly impactful, it must be inclusive ensuring that all young people, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to participate and thrive.
To promote this vision, the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) programme, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Education and others, and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, has launched a school outreach initiative. The outreach is designed to identify and support young innovators at the secondary level, including those in specialist schools for students with disabilities.
As part of its inclusive strategy, YAI is working to identify, support, and amplify innovation from young people across Ghana. The initiative in schools focuses on students in both mainstream and specialist institutions to ensure that no group is left behind. So far, YAI has engaged more than 1390 students in 16 regions, with specialist schools accounting for over 7% percent of the outreach.
The first phase of the outreach began with visits to Mampong School for the Deaf and Akropong School for the Blind. Students were introduced to the YAI programme, which supports innovators through mentorship, training, and access to resources that can help them grow their products and solutions to address social and economic challenges in the real world.
“The goal is to equip young people, including those with disabilities, with the knowledge, support, and tools they need to develop solutions that can help to solve real problems in their communities and help shape a better Ghana,” said Dr Allen Anie, Chief Technical Advisor for the YAI Programme.
Dr Allen Anie, Chief Technical Advisor for the YAI Programme, giving his remarks
At the Mampong School for the Deaf, school leadership welcomed the initiative. Mr Ametewee Setumte, Headmaster, noted the positive impact the programme is already having on students with vocational and technical skills.
“Support like this is very important. It helps our students at the vocational level gain confidence, develop their skills, and see the value of their ideas beyond the classroom,” he said.
. Mr Ametewee Setumte, Headmaster, delivering his speech
At Akropong School for the Blind, Madam Veronica Derry, the Headmistress, shared her appreciation for the effort to include schools often left out of development opportunities.
“We are truly excited to be part of this initiative. Schools for children with disabilities are often overlooked in programmes like this, so it means a lot to see our students included and given the opportunity to explore their potential,” she said.
Madam Veronica Derry, the Headmistress, giving her remarks
The outreach also highlighted the creativity and talent already thriving within these schools. At Mampong School for the Deaf, JHS 2 students Janet Maku Dagodjo and Neptune Elorm Kwaku presented striking artwork focused on climate action. The pair expressed hope of one day opening an art centre where they can paint professionally and train others.
Neptune Elorm Kwaku displaying his painting he did together with Janet Maku Dagodjo
Janet Maku Dagodjo, displaying the artwork she did together with Neptune Elorm Kwaku
Meanwhile, vocational student Perfect, Fianyeku, showcased a selection of hand-stitched clothing she designed and created herself—demonstrating both skill and entrepreneurial drive.
The YAI programme is committed to making innovation more accessible and equitable across Ghana. Through its outreach, it is not only identifying emerging talent but also working to bridge the gaps faced by some students with disabilities when accessing innovation platforms.
From the left is Allen Anie PhD, Chief Technical Advisor for the Young Africa Innovates Programme, next to him is Perfect, Fianyeku, and next to her is her school teacher
Selected participants from this outreach will have the opportunity to participate in the bootcamps to further enhance their ideas into scalable solutions though tailored training, support and funding.
Learn more about alumni of the YAI program and some of their success.
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