…Church of Pentecost and GES Champion Leadership and Wellness for Young Girls
The Church of Pentecost in the Kadjebi District is redefining community empowerment through a powerful partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES) — using faith, education, and health as tools to inspire girls to rise above barriers and lead change in their communities.
As part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the two institutions jointly organised an interactive empowerment event that brought together over 200 students and teachers from 11 Junior High Schools across the Kadjebi East and West Circuits.
Held under the global theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” the event went beyond mere celebration. It created a safe, nurturing space for girls to explore leadership, self-worth, and health awareness — all anchored in faith and practical learning.
In his opening message, Rev. Samuel Ohene Abeka, Kadjebi District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, drew inspiration from Jeremiah 1:5, reminding the girls that their existence and potential were part of God’s divine plan.
“You were not created as an afterthought,” he told them. “God knew you before you were born. Walk in confidence, build strong values, and don’t let society define your worth.”
Mrs. Emma Asilevi Zottor, the District Girl Child Coordinator for GES and a deaconess of the church, delivered a stirring keynote address on the obstacles girls face — from gender-based violence to limited educational and healthcare opportunities in rural Ghana.
“Girls are not just survivors of crisis—they are leaders in times of crisis,” she said. “You don’t have to wait for change. Be the change.”
The event also incorporated a strong health education component, aligning with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Kadjebi Health Directorate led by Madam Evelyn Damankah and Madam Stella Agyeiwaa, both midwives, conducted practical demonstrations on breast health and self-examination techniques.
They encouraged the girls to take responsibility for their wellbeing and seek early medical attention when necessary.
“Your health is your power. Early detection saves lives,” Madam Damankah advised.
Organisers described the programme as more than a one-off commemoration, calling it a “movement of transformation” — one that combines faith-based values, educational empowerment, and health consciousness to nurture a new generation of confident, informed, and purpose-driven girls.
Since its establishment by the United Nations in 2011, the International Day of the Girl Child has served as a global reminder of the need to eliminate barriers that limit girls’ potential. But in Kadjebi, that call is being answered locally — through action, mentorship, and unity of purpose.
The day ended with a renewed sense of hope — that when faith institutions, educators, and health professionals work together, girls can rise to lead their communities toward lasting change.
