FirstBank Ghana supports Discovery Teen Foundation in celebrating International Day of The Girls Child

As part of FirstBank Ghana’s celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, the Discovery Teen Magazine and Discovery Teen Foundation organised an engagement session for young adolescents from different schools. The event was under the theme Empowering Adolescents to make informed choices. The session  was aimed at educating and empowering teens transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Some of the topics discussed included critical issues affecting today’s youth like challenges faced by adolescent girls, sex, dating and drug abuse, violence among young people and so on.

The interaction, held at the Osu Ebenezer Presby Church Hall in Accra, brought together approximately 150 students from St. Thomas Aquinas, Osu Salem Basic One JHS, Discovery Teen members at the Apostolic Church, and Discovery Teen members at the Victory Bible Church. These young attendees had the opportunity to hear from a group of resource persons, including medical, legal, digital marketing, and development professionals, on pertinent topics related to health, online safety, personal development, and financial literacy.

Speaking on FirstBank’s support for the event, Mr. Victor Yaw Asante, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Ghana, emphasised the Bank’s dedication to supporting initiatives that create positive change in communities, particularly among the youth. “At FirstBank Ghana, we believe that empowering adolescents with knowledge and skills is essential in building a strong future for our communities. Through our partnership with Discovery Teen Foundation, we are investing in the well-being of young girls and boys alike, ensuring they are equipped to overcome challenges and make informed decisions as they journey into adulthood.”

Discovery Teen Magazine and Discovery Teen Foundation, known for their unwavering commitment to adolescent development, structured the session to cover critical issues and open discussions that resonate with today’s youth. Mercy C. Agyabeng, Development Consultant at Discovery Teen Magazine, shared her insights on the importance of such platforms, saying, “Adolescence is a transformative period that comes with its own unique challenges. At Discovery Teen Foundation, we aim to equip young people, especially girls, with the knowledge they need to make responsible choices. Today’s interaction is about addressing real-life concerns like online safety, personal hygiene, and financial planning in a way that resonates with their everyday experiences.”

The panel featured Dr. Gertrude Neequaye, who provided insight on managing physical and emotional changes during adolescence. Dr. Neequaye encouraged the girls to practice personal hygiene as they adapt to the physical changes of puberty, emphasising how crucial this is for their well-being.

Lawyer and Reproductive Rights Expert, Marian Darlington spoke on the dangers of online abuse, an increasingly prevalent issue as adolescents engage more on digital platforms. She highlighted how misuse of the internet can lead to vulnerability, urging the young audience to exercise caution and set boundaries online.

Noalina Kuukua Slippi-Mensah, a development consultant introduced the importance of setting SMART goals, encouraging girls to prioritise education and remain focused. She emphasised that speaking up and building confidence are fundamental for girls to navigate challenges and succeed academically and personally.

Michael Ofosu, Digital Marketing Lead at Media General, presented a balanced perspective on internet use, underscoring the internet as a platform for both learning and potential risks. He shared personal anecdotes to inspire the teens to leverage online resources positively, urging them to remember that “the internet does not forget.”

Additionally, FirstBank Ghana’s Osu Branch Manager, Theresa Frimpong shared insights on financial literacy, covering the importance of saving and discussing the Bank’s youth-oriented savings packages designed to foster responsible money management habits from an early age.

FirstBank Ghana’s sponsorship of the event underscores its dedication to community growth and youth empowerment, especially during the International Day of the Girl Child, a day celebrated globally to promote gender equality and address the unique challenges that girls face.

FirstBank Ghana is a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. The FirstBank brand is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. First Bank of Nigeria is the parent of FirstBank UK, FirstBank DRC, FirstBank Guinea, FirstBank Sierra Leone, FirstBank Gambia, FirstBank Senegal, and FirstBank Ghana.