The Aya Initiative - September Edition

Reflecting on a busy and transformative August...

If you probably had a conversation with any of our 25 ladies last month, chances are they would describe their experience as one word — BUSY. Indeed, we’ve had a packed schedule: back-to-back mental health and leadership sessions, preparations for their community project pitches, drop-in consultations with the Aya Initiative Team and their Project Mentor - Winifred Opoku , all while balancing personal commitments like schoolwork and exams.

The month started with a public speaking session led by Paa Kwesi Folson , an award-winning public speaker and marketing consultant. He emphasized intentionality in leadership and personal growth, encouraging our participants to embrace public speaking despite the common fears surrounding it. His advice to start small—perhaps through social media engagement—struck a chord with most of our participants. He also shared the fascinating history of public speaking, highlighting Aspasia, a woman who excelled in the field some 2,500 years ago, reminding our ladies that they too have immense potential.

Mr. Folson reframed the concept of fear, not as a hindrance but as a tool that can propel one forward. By focusing on the message rather than performance, he explained that much of the anxiety associated with public speaking can be alleviated. He also introduced the rhetorical triangle—speaker, message, audience—underscoring the need for preparation, a clear message, and emotional connection. His session left our participants inspired to find their voice and embrace their unique leadership styles.

The financial literacy session, led by Brielle Bryant-Erales , a certified financial coach, was equally impactful. Brielle’s storytelling approach, using characters Sarah and John, illustrated how a positive money mindset can transform financial outcomes. A key takeaway was the power of positive self-talk—reframing financial challenges constructively to foster a proactive approach to money management. Brielle also introduced the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for setting financial goals, emphasizing the importance of identifying a personal "why" to stay motivated.

Mental health, as usual, was a major focus in August, with Stephanie Fleischer-Brock (MSc) ’s fourth session on stress management. She guided the ladies through understanding feelings and needs, helping them recognize the root causes of stress and introducing practical tools like the ‘feelings wheel’ for emotional expression.?

Additionally, Dr. Johnny Andoh-Arthur’s session on mental wellness was timely, especially for most of our participants facing examination pressures. His focus on coping strategies and finding purpose resonated deeply with our participants, many of whom reflected on the importance of resilience and facing challenges head-on. A standout quote from one of our participants encapsulates the session's impact: "Running away from stress means I'm running away from life. I must learn to face my issues and seek the help I need." This sentiment underscores the life-changing lessons our participants are taking to heart.

Confidence building also took centre stage, particularly in Nadine's leadership session on the 21st, right before their final community project pitches. The confidence class began with a relatively challenging exercise—delivering a 20-second elevator pitch about themselves, without mentioning anything from their CVs. After the ladies had attempted to answer that with Nadine’s guidance, the conversation continued with meaningful reflections on leadership, particularly on vulnerability, empathy, and authenticity. As one participant shared, "I used to think vulnerability undermined my authority. Now I understand it’s a strength." This insight reinforced the importance of authentic leadership, where confidence and self-awareness shape how others perceive us.

Finally, our community projects reached a critical milestone in August. After 5 drop-in sessions with our coach, Winifred Opoku and the Aya InitiativeTeam, and long weeks of intensive planning and development, our ladies finally presented their pitches to an esteemed panel of judges. They received constructive feedback that will guide them in their upcoming project implementations. Our five teams of five; Dreamweavers, Plasticlean, Mphrapa, Titans, and Diverse Divas impressed the judges, and we are confident they will make a meaningful impact in their respective communities.

We closed the month with an inspiring leadership session led by Dr Catherine Mbema , a Director of Public Health. Dr. Mbema shared her journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, resilience, and influence in leadership. She urged the ladies to take their time in building their careers and to celebrate every achievement along the way. Her words, "Each step has its purpose to develop you into the leader you need to be," left a lasting impression, reminding us all that leadership is a journey, not a race.

To keep abreast with our activities for the next quarter, kindly do well to follow our social media pages at AKAYA Foundation.?

The Aya Initiative is kindly supported by the KGL FOUNDATION .

Article written by: Della Adzadi ?