The Youth Initiative for Africa Development (YIFAD) on Sunday, the 15th of July, 2018 extended their outreach program to the Savelugu school for the deaf.

YIFAD is a fully registered non-governmental organization established in September 2012 but with registration recognition in August, 2013. The organization emanates from the University of Ghana, Legon, and is registered with the Registrar General’s Department-Ghana under the Companies Act, 1963(Act 179).

The project coordinator Miss Asana Shanni Mahama, speaking to the media opined that their outreach to the Savelugu school for the deaf is not the first of the organization as they have been to other places such as the Wa school for the blind, Volta school for the deaf, Pantang psychiatric hospital and the Echoing Hills village orphanage

Given a background on YIFAD, Miss Shanni narrated that, the desire to positively impact the life of the average African youth as well as the need to drive development through the modern day youth were the foundational principles that triggered Mr. Abdul- Rahman Abdullai to form the Youth Initiative for Africa Development.

She added that, Mr. Abdul- Rahman Abdullai the founder of YIFAD, whilst a student of the University of Ghana, Legon, started YIFAD as student movement to undertake development programs and projects geared towards reaching out to the less privileged in the society.

Going by the statement ‘let’s walk our talk’ Miss Shanni emphasized on why YIFAD dissociates itself from the pessimists in our society who sit aloof and complain rather than take active part in ascertaining the solutions to these problems, by coming up with innovative ways to address these problems.

Ending her conversation, she reiterated the need for the general public to direct their attention to people with disabilities and therefore made a humble appeal to all philanthropist to support the activities of YIFAD both in kind and cash for them to go beyond their expectations.

Mr. Abdul Latif Alhassan, Miss Grace Dokurugu and Joseph Nzeh who are Alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) were also presentto support the activities of YIFAD.

The headmistress who received items comprised of assorted drinks, bags of rice, bags of sachet water, detergents, toiletries etc on behalf of the school expressed her sincere appreciation to the members of the organization and the organization for their act of generosity. Like Oliver Twist, she pleaded for more from the organization and other philanthropic individuals.

The outreach program which begun with a free hair cut for the students and pupil ended with a fun session which included members of YIFAD dining with their host.

Report by: Paa Kwesy (Radio Grin 94.7FM, Tamale)