Category: Sora Kaufman Fellowship program

Meet Eric Anorrey, a proud member of ACA’s Sora Kaufman Fellowship. Born on 19th July 1987, Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Education from the University for Development Studies and has been working with several non-profit-making organizations for about ten years, giving him a vast experience in Ghana’s civil society space.

He currently acts as the Project Manager for the Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG) and leads the STAR Ghana Volunteerism Project, which aims at empowering community volunteers to participate and influence the utilization of mineral revenues for sustainable development in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region of Ghana.

Besides, he provides consultancy services for Savana Signatures, a Tamale-based NGO, as a Grievance Redress Officer on a World Bank-funded project titled “Transport Sector Improvement Project (TSIP)” where he manages an online grievance redress mechanism to address human rights and all land-related issues pertaining to a road construction in the Bono East Region.

Eric is also the Founder of Global Youth Innovation Center (GYIC), a registered NGO in Ghana promoting youth development and participation in decision making and community volunteerism, and empowering youth to engage in community-driven initiatives, amplifying voices of rural vulnerable populations and fostering participation and self-help development.

Over the last decade, he has I have worked on various impactful initiatives supported by organizations such as UNICEF, USAID, OXFAM, the World Bank, Safe Abortion Action Fund, Global Greengrants, STAR-Ghana Foundation, Plan International, among others, especially those related to health, human rights, sexual and reproductive health and rights, education, youth and women economic empowerment improving livelihoods among vulnerable populations in deprived communities through a combination of advocacy, awareness campaigns, education, and capacity-building and training interventions.

“I work towards a just society where resources and opportunities are distributed, and the populace are recognized as the key actors in their own development rather than passive recipients of commodities and services. My community work has been guided by empathy and compassion, accountability, integrity and transparency, respect for diversity and inclusion, cultural sensitivity and self-reflection and continuous learning”, he says.

Eric has special interest in youth development that fosters skilled youth population, inclusive governance, and empowers communities and vulnerable women for decent employment and improved livelihoods that protects their human rights and dignity, as well as rural development and environmental management and sustainability.

Integrating knowledge from fellowship

According to Eric, he aspires to apply the knowledge gained from the fellowship to his community development activities and at work.

“The emphasis would be on how to use leadership and collaboration, innovative problem-solving skills, inclusive and sustainable development, community empowerment, networking, and advocacy skills.”

“With improved skills and team-building skills, I will create a more collaborative and inclusive environment for my team and community, fostering participatory decision-making and respecting varied viewpoints.”

He further says he would introduce a more innovative problem-solving strategy to empower communities to participate in and solve development challenges and promote active citizenship across communities. Focus on community-driven initiatives and sustainability by advocating for active citizen participation in local governance and development processes.

“The skills and knowledge I obtain during the fellowship will be utilized in organizing capacity building workshops for my team, other civil society organizations, and communities to help them take a more community-driven approach to development, leadership, and project management for social impact. It is my goal to promote both personal and collective growth, resulting in a more equitable and sustainable societal impact.”

Proposed plans going forward

“The Global Youth Innovation Center (GYIC) has a 5-year Strategic Plan that outlines a strategy for addressing challenges in youth skills development and livelihood initiatives for mining host communities, promoting youth volunteerism and self-help community development, environmental sustainability and climate justice, and providing access to quality health and education services, all of which contribute to the well-being and resilience of the communities we serve.”

“My leadership, sustainable development, networking, and skills in project management would be employed to help implement this five-year strategic plan. This will encourage a more innovative and collaborative team and build a dynamic team and organization to adopt community-driven and sustainable development initiatives.”

He hopes to lead his organization in implementing interventions in its strategic plan for broader social impact, advocating for and building alliances and robust community movements for communities to have a voice to participate in decision-making, and leading community interventions for long-term impact.

Congratulations, Eric! ACA welcomes you warmly to its flagship program that seeks to establish a network of African leaders and practitioners in the field of community-driven development and advocacy, the Sora Kaufman Fellowship.

Solomon Amoako, a Field Supervisor of the Kintampo Health Research Centre is very excited to be a part of the first cohort of Sora Kaufman Fellowship.

This is because his journey has been shaped by a blend of experiences, interests, and aspirations that continue to evolve.

“I was born on August 29, 1989, at Wenchi in the Bono Region of Ghana. Growing up, I developed an interest in formal education and sports (soccer to be precise), often spending my time either on field or in the community library after school and vacations. This early exposure helped shape my personality and goals, leading me to pursue a degree in public health”, he believes.

His educational journey began at the St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Basic School in Wenchi from where he continued at the Koase Senior High Technical School where he sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

He later pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in public health (Health Promotion) at the Catholic University of Ghana located at Fiapre near Sunyani.

As a Field Supervisor of the Kintampo Health Research Centre, Mr. Amoako has been working on some notable projects or studies conducted by the Centre. Among them are the Data Linkage, Neonatal Vitamins (NEOVITA), the Kintampo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KHDSS), Tracking infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA), the Adverse Outcome in Pregnancy Trial (ADOPT) and lastly the Pregnancy Risk Stratification Innovation and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA) being the current project am working on. I was awarded the best field supervisor for the year 2022 in the PRISMA study.

According to him: “The experiences gained over the years have not only honed my skills but also fueled my passion for public health and humanity. I’ve learned to embrace challenges and continuously seek growth, which has been instrumental in my career progression.”

“Outside of my professional life, I have a variety of interests that bring me joy. I enjoy listening to music, football and reading novels and on top of all being kind to people. I find that these activities help me recharge and stay balanced.”

Mr. Amoako sees himself as a passionate individual with a diverse background and a strong love for humanity.

“I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me and the people who have supported me along the way. As I continue my journey, I’m committed to pursuing my goals, staying true to my values, and making a positive impact on the world around me.

Integrating knowledge from fellowship

As part of the first cohort of the Fellowship, Mr. Amoako believes that the following six strategies will guide his application of lessons learnt during the training.

1. Practical Application: I plan to apply best practices and methodologies learned during the fellowship directly to ongoing projects. This might include innovative community engagement techniques or data-driven approaches to assess needs.
2. Training and Capacity Building: I’ll share insights with my team and local stakeholders through workshops and training sessions. This fosters a culture of learning and empowers others with new skills and knowledge.
3. Collaborative Partnerships: Utilizing the networks and relationships built during the fellowship, I aim to establish partnerships with organizations that can provide resources or expertise to enhance our community initiatives.
4. Evaluation and Feedback: I’ll implement mechanisms for evaluating the impact of our programs using frameworks introduced in the fellowship. Continuous feedback loops will help refine our approach based on community needs and outcomes.
5. Sustainability Practices: Integrating sustainable practices learned in the fellowship will be crucial for ensuring the long-term success of community projects, focusing on environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
6. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Leveraging insights from the fellowship, I will engage in advocacy efforts to influence local policies that support community development goals.

“By systematically integrating these elements, I can enhance our work’s effectiveness and create lasting positive change in the community.”

Proposed plans going forward

“After completing the Sora Kaufman fellowship program, I plan to leverage the skills and insights I’ve gained to pursue opportunities that align with my passion. I envision engaging in projects that promote my goals such as community development, innovation, or sustainability and potentially collaborating with organizations or initiatives that share similar values.”

“Additionally, I aim to share my experiences through mentorship or workshops to inspire others on their journeys. Overall, I hope to make a meaningful impact in my field and contribute positively to my community.”

“I am passionate about the Sora Kaufman Fellowship program, which seeks to establish a network of African leaders and practitioners in community-driven development and advocacy. My journey, filled with both challenges and accomplishments, has shaped me into a committed individual dedicated to making a positive impact. From a young age, I have been passionate about helping others and improving the lives of those less fortunate”, Lamptey Benedicta Naa Odarkor, Sora Kaufman Fellow.

Miss Naa Odarkor currently works as a Project Manager with the Community and Family Aid Foundation, where she plays a lead role in developing detailed project proposals and plans, including objectives, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements, often in response to funding opportunities.

She also manages project budgets by tracking expenditures, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and preparing financial reports and coordinates the work of project team members – assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and ensuring alignment with project goals. Regularly monitoring project progress, adjusting strategies as needed to stay on track and achieve objectives.

Furthermore, Miss Naa Odarkor acts as a liaison between the project team and external stakeholders to ensure clear and effective communication and maintains a comprehensive documentation of project processes, decisions, and outcomes for accountability and future reference to increased trust, support, and collaboration.

According to her, her efforts have helped to enhance the organization’s capacity by improving project management processes, training staff, and developing best practices.

“I ensure that the benefits of the projects are sustainable over the long term, providing lasting value to the target communities.”

Education, successes

Born on 14th December 1986, Miss Naa Odarkor, holds a bachelor’s degree in business commerce (Management option) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and a Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Management from Koforidua Technical University.

Some of her notable achievements include successfully completing projects on time and within budget, achieving significant positive outcomes for the community, such as improved access to education, healthcare, and other critical services. I have also built and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, contributing

Experiences

• Working with Willows International as a Field Educator on reproductive health in 2015.
• Participating in a three-day community forum and rally organized by Ghana Reducing Our Carbon in August 2014, aimed at combating climate change and promoting renewable energy in Shama, Western Region.
• Gaining diverse experience through roles at AFRAH International Hospital and T.I. Microfinance, where I interacted with people from various backgrounds.
• Engaging with different cultural communities during my tertiary education and national service in the Eastern Region.

Integrating knowledge from fellowship

Integrating knowledge from the Sora Kaufman Fellowship program into my workplace and community development work involves applying the principles and skills learned to enhance my effectiveness and impact. She intends to do this through enhancing Community Engagement, building local capacity, promoting inclusivity and equity as well as fostering collaborative partnerships.

Proposed plans going forward

Upon completion of the Sora Kaufman Fellowship Program, Miss Naa Odarkor hopes to consider strategic plans aimed at maximizing the impact of her new skills and knowledge.

She has these proposals that align with her career goals and aspirations:

1. Implement Community Projects: Launch a Community Initiative: I will use the expertise gained during the fellowship to design and implement a community-driven project. I will focus on a pressing issue identified during the fellowship, such as improving local infrastructure, enhancing educational opportunities, or addressing health disparities.
2. Strengthen Local Partnerships: Develop Collaborative Networks: I will build and strengthen partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders. I will use the networks established during the fellowship to foster collaboration on community development initiatives.
3. Enhance Capacity Building: Conduct Training Workshops: I will offer training and workshops to local community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders on skills and knowledge gained during the fellowship. I will focus on areas such as project management, community engagement, and resource mobilization.

Congratulations to you, Miss Naa Odarkor! ACA wishes you well in your 12-month journey with the Sora Kaufman Fellowship program.