Philomena Esi Agudu wins Ghana Library Authority's Maiden Youth Advocacy Challenge

The Ghana Library Authority (GhLA) is delighted to announce Philomena Esi Agudu as the winner of the maiden edition of the Youth Advocacy Challenge.

This initiative was made possible with the support of UNICEF. The 23-year-old medical student from the University of Cape Coast emerged as the winner in this initiative, which is part of the Youth Engagement Centre project and aims to empower young people to express their perspectives and propose solutions to critical national issues.

Philomena’s winning article addressed the topic “Inclusive Education in Ghana: Bridging the Gap for Girls and Persons with Disabilities.” Her thought-provoking work presented practical solutions to mitigate challenges faced by marginalized groups in the educational system. Her article raised awareness and offered actionable recommendations to enhance inclusivity and accessibility for girls and persons with disabilities.

The Youth Advocacy Challenge is an opportunity for young people to contribute to national dialogue on national issues, providing a platform to share innovative ideas and advocate for change. This aligns with the GhLA and UNICEF's commitment to creating a generation of informed and active youth.

Under this initiative, a new topic is released each quarter, sparking fresh discussions and inspiring impactful articles. The recent quarter’s theme focused on education, while the theme for this quarter will address Health, with application dates to be announced soon.

Philomena stood tall among her peers for emerging above the criteria of the challenge. Other notable participants included Dylan Abaka, James Amakwaah Yeboah Korang, Emmanuella Kwatia, Nana Yaa Asantewaa Asare, and Woyram Afi Ametefe, whose contributions added to the quality and diversity of ideas presented.

As part of her award, Philomena received GHC 3,000, intended to support her continued advocacy efforts and academic pursuits.

The Ghana Library Authority remains committed to amplifying the voice of the youth in Ghana through initiatives like the Youth Advocacy Challenge, fostering a brighter future where the insights of young advocates contribute to national development.