Funded by Plan International Ghana, the project fosters community responsibility and empowers youth through education and dialogue.
In a determined effort to curb the rising tide of adolescent pregnancy in the Guan District of Ghana, SMART HUB GH, formally known as SMART YOUTH CONNEKT LBG, has implemented a series of impactful community engagements and school-based interventions under the Youth Empowered to Thrive (YET) Project. Spanning from January to June 2025 and generously funded by Plan International Ghana, the initiative is already demonstrating promising results in communities such as Likpe Todome, Likpe Agbozume, and Akpafu Adorkor.
The project, led by the Founder and CEO Victor Kofi Norgbedzi, with on-the-ground coordination by Project Lead Bright Vakpor, sought to address adolescent pregnancy by tackling its root causes and providing young people with the tools and knowledge to make informed choices. Through a combination of interactive education, community dialogues, adolescent club formations, and media advocacy, SMART HUB GH reached hundreds of community members—youth, parents, educators, and traditional leaders—encouraging shared responsibility and commitment to change.
A key aspect of the intervention was the creation of adolescent clubs in these communities, each composed of 30 young people (18 girls and 12 boys) who were taken through a unique “Photo Observation Activity.” Using carefully selected images, the participants were guided to explore the social, emotional, and health consequences of teenage pregnancy. The approach helped break silence around difficult topics, allowing adolescents to express themselves and offer peer-driven solutions. Discussions revealed not only a clear understanding of risk factors but also empathy and solidarity among peers.
One of the participating adolescents shared, “When I see a girl like me who gets pregnant and drops out, I feel sad because she loses so many chances. That’s why I want to stay focused and also talk to my friends about avoiding such situations. We can help each other.”
Beyond the schools, SMART HUB GH also mobilized parents, elders, and community leaders through sensitization forums that focused on defining the roles of families and communities in preventing adolescent pregnancy. These engagements brought together various stakeholders to discuss pressing issues such as media exposure, nocturnal freedom among adolescents, and lack of parental guidance. Participants identified actionable solutions, including increased supervision, restoring community night patrols, enhancing school collaboration, and adopting open communication within families.
The campaign extended its impact through a live radio discussion on VoV Radio, broadcasting to Hohoe and its surrounding areas. The program featured a teacher, a SMART HUB GH representative, and Junior High School students who spoke candidly about the causes, consequences, and prevention of teenage pregnancy. The segment attracted calls from listeners who shared insights, asked questions, and expressed appreciation for the open dialogue. A parent who phoned in remarked, “As a parent, I feel more confident addressing these topics with my daughter.”
The successful implementation of this project was made possible by the vital support of Plan International Ghana, whose funding empowered SMART HUB GH to design and deliver activities that resonated with both young people and adults. Their commitment to promoting sexual and reproductive health rights and preventing gender-based violence in Ghana continues to make a lasting difference in local communities.
SMART HUB GH also extends sincere appreciation to the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, the District Child Protection Team (DCPT), Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), community opinion leaders, teachers, school coordinators, and all individuals and institutions whose contributions were invaluable to the success of the project.
Looking ahead, SMART HUB GH plans to sustain the gains made through regular follow-up forums, peer mentorship, and expanded media outreach. The Youth Empowered to Thrive Project is proving to be a model for community-driven transformation—one that is equipping adolescents with knowledge, giving parents renewed confidence, and inspiring entire communities to stand up against adolescent pregnancy.
