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WACSI’s Internship Programme Shapes Tomorrow’s Civil Society Champions.

August 7, 2024 In Newsroom By

WACSI’s Internship Programme Shapes Tomorrow’s Civil Society Champions.

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Accra, Ghana [July 2024] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has admitted three aspiring young graduates to the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP). Launched in 2008, NGIP is designed to provide young professionals and students with practical experience and skill development opportunities within various sectors, including civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The programme focuses on equipping participants with relevant skills, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities to prepare them for meaningful careers. 

The interns, Zaliyatu Tuntaiya Muhammed (Ghana), Isabelle Abla Sodokin (Togo), and Yangueral Ngarari (Chad), were welcomed in July 2024. They will receive six months of professional and leadership training with the WACSI team.

𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘕𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘪, 𝘡𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘶 𝘛𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘺𝘢 𝘔𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘣𝘭𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯

In an interview, the interns expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and shared their aspirations and expectations. Isabelle Abla Sodokin, who has a degree in Sociology of Development and is a human rights activist in Togo, is passionate about acquiring practical skills in information management, conducting impactful research, and excelling in organisation and documentation. “My goal is to contribute significantly to initiatives that empower and strengthen civil society across Africa. I expect this journey to not only enhance my capabilities but also allow me to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development and social justice in my community,” said Sorokin, who works with the Knowledge Management Unit.

𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦 𝘈𝘣𝘭𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘰

Zaliyatu Tuntaiya Muhammed, who joined the Capacity Development Unit, holds a bachelor’s degree in development education from the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Ghana. She has gained work experience through research projects and dedicated volunteer work during her studies. “I am eager to gain practical experience in programme development and management, further enhance my abilities in forming partnerships and engaging the community and learn from seasoned professionals. I am enthusiastic about contributing to projects that promote sustainable development and gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field. I am eager to be mentored and guided to apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations and make informed decisions about my future career path,” said Muhammed.

𝘡𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘵𝘶 𝘛𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘺𝘢 𝘔𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘎𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢

Yangueral Ngarari, who is interning in the Policy Influence and Advocacy (PIA) Unit, holds a master’s degree in governance and Regional Integration from the Pan-African University (PAU) of Yaoundé II. She shared her aspirations and expectations for the internship programme. “I’m very passionate about socio-economic and political issues and very committed to the cause of society. I applied to this institute to benefit from the quality of training offered, intending to help my community. Secondly, to sharpen my knowledge and skills in policy influencing, advocacy, and communication, the sector in which I intend to pursue my professional career. Finally, to contribute to the achievement of Agenda 2063 Goal 6 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5,” said Ngarari.

𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘕𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘪 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘥

Since its inception in 2008, the NGIP has provided a six-month journey honing the skills of African youth. The programme has equipped 77 individuals from 17 diverse African nations. Ghana has boasted fifteen representatives, closely followed by Benin with ten and Nigeria with nine. Cameroon has eight, with the remainder hailing from countries including Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Zimbabwe. 

The NGIP by WACSI has led to significant achievements in enhancing the capacity of civil society organisations and developing the skills of young professionals. It has contributed to a more robust civil society sector in West Africa, with better-trained individuals and more effective organisations working towards social and developmental goals. The NGIP continues to make meaningful contributions to the civil society landscape in West Africa, fostering a new generation of professionals and strengthening the institutions that drive positive change in the region. 

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FIIFI BOATENG

Fiifi is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Communications and Information Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. He joined the Institute in December 2020.

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NANCY KANKAM KUSI

Nancy is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. She joined the Institute in January 2021.

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AGNES ADWOA ANIMA

Agnes is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Head of the Administration unit in the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2021.

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DORIS ODEI

Doris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social sciences (Economics and Sociology) from the University of Cape Coast. She is passionate about impacting young lives hence co-founded Impart Foundation. A non-profit organization which seeks to empower young lives through education, technology and entrepreneurship.

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PRINCE AKOWUAH

Prince Akowuah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Assistant in the Translation Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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MAXWELL APENTENG

Maxwell Apenteng is a Ghanaian and joined WACSI in September 2010. He provides gardening and janitorial services at the Institute.

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GEORGE ADU-MINTAH

George Adu-Mintah is a Ghanaian and currently the Protocol Assistant/Driver at the West Africa Civil Society (WACSI). He joined the Institute in October 2006.

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IBRAHIM KWAKU GBADAGO

Ibrahim Kwaku Gbadago is a Ghanaian. He joined the Institute in 2008 and provides janitorial services and assisting the institute's errands. Before joining the Institute, he worked at the Palestinian embassy in Accra, Ghana.

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RUTH YAKANA

Ruth Yakana is from Cameroon and currently the Receptionist at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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BETHEL KWAME BOATENG

Bethel is a Ghanaian. He provides technical and IT related support to the Institute. He joined the Institute in October 2006.

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WHITNAY SEGNONNA

Whitnay Segnonna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management from the University of Benin. With 2 years of experience, she has a strong knowledge of organizational and project management. Combined with her bilingualism, she is very passionate about her work. She joined WACSI as Project Assistant on Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the Capacity Development Unit.

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STELLA YAWA WOWOUI

Stella Yawa Wowoui holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies. She has a perfect grasp of both French and English, as well as an intermediate level in Spanish. She is currently working as a Project Assistant on the Techsoup Project.

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KWAME ASANTE

Kwame is an experienced IT Consultant/Software Developer. He is skilled in Web Applications Development, Digital Security, Database Management, Digital Marketing and Brand Management. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and is a Microsoft Programme Alumni. He is currently serving as a Marketing and IT Officer on the Techsoup Project.

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GRACE AKPENE ZIGGAH

Grace Akpene Ziggah is a Togolese and currently the Logistics Officer and also assists in administration duties at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in June 2009.

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LILLIAN DAFEAMEKPOR

Lilian Dafeamekpor is a Ghanaian and currently the Assistant to the Executive Director at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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JOHN P. FRINJUAH

John P. Frinjuah has expertise and interests in civil society, international development, democracy and governance, conflict, crisis, and security. He has extensive experience working with civil society and international development organizations where he supported and managed research, programmes, and provided technical assistance on a variety of themes around public policy, governance, and development. He is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy - Tufts University in the United States, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from two institutions respectively. John speaks English, French and several Ghanaian and regional West Africa languages.

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GERVIN CHANASE

Gervin has extensive international development experience, including 5 years of policy advocacy and capacity building of grass root organisations. He has implemented over the years a combination of agriculture value chain, livelihood, food security and governance and rights programmes.
Prior to joining WACSI, Gervin worked on two USAID projects focusing on agriculture value chain development and governance in northern Ghana
Gervin holds a master’s degree in development & Governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany as well as a Masters in Global Studies from the Universities of Vienna (Austria), Leipzig (Germany) and California (Santa Barbara), USA. He is passionate social justice and inclusion.

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LEANDRE BANON

Leandre Banon, Beninese, joined WACSI in September 2014 as Capacity Development Programme Assistant. Since then, he has worked in various units within the Institute to support operational and institutional capacity strengthening programmes for civil society in the region. Currently serving as Capacity Development Programme Officer at WACSI, his main responsibilities involve designing, planning, implementing and monitoring capacity development programmes for civil society constituents and grouping across the West Africa. Leandre is a certified Change the Game Academy Programme Trainer. His background lies in the areas of economics and development planning.

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SAMUEL APPIAH

Samuel Appiah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Officer in the Finance and Administrative Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in May, 2016.

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JIMM CHICK FOMUNJONG

Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Cameroonian, joined WACSI in May 2018 as the Head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Units of the Institute. He has over ten years’ experience as a journalist and a development communications expert. He has a vast experience in supporting African organisations to strengthen their internal and external communications, building and sustaining relationships with the media and, leveraging on the power of social media to promote their mission. He is also excellent at supporting organisations to set up and operationalise functional communications and knowledge management systems. He has a deep passion and expertise in supporting Africans and African civil society organisations to document their praxis, share and learn from experiences documented from the African civil society sector.

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FRANCK A. SOMBO

Franck Sombo is a development practitioner with the drive to lead self and others to influence productivity and efficiency. His work involves supporting organisations to develop strategic plans, design monitoring and evaluation systems, develop and use relevant performance measurement tools to track progress, assess organizational growth and institutionalise learning. Franck has eight years of experience working with WACSI where he currently serves as the Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. His academic qualifications include Masters in Organisations’ and Projects’ Management, and in Business Sciences and a High National Diploma in Finance and Accounting.

Franck is a Fellow of the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) and a graduate of the Graduate Training Institute (GTI) - Ghana with specialization in Strategic Management and Corporate Leadership. He has a rich experience in Project Management, Capacity Development, Strategic planning, Data Analytics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Training and Facilitation, Mentoring and Coaching among others.

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OMOLARA T. BALOGUN

Omolara is a development practitioner and advocacy strategist with over 15 years of progressive experience in development programming targeted at strengthening civil society in West Africa.

She joined WACSI in November 2009 as a Regional Advocacy Consultant and later became the first Policy Advocacy Officer of the Institute in 2010.

She was promoted to Head of the Policy Influencing and Advocacy (PIA) Unit in 2015. As the Head of the PIA unit, Omolara offers strategic direction to the Institutes’ ambitions to connect and convene groups of organised and organic civil society actors; and influence regional and global discourses on crosscutting policy issues including—civil society regulations, sustainable development goals, civic space and enabling environment, aid effectiveness, gender equality, and civil society accountability.

Previously, Omolara served as a Programmes Associate with the Women in Peace and Security Network-Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), where she worked with her team to design and implement pan-African programmes on—multidimensional peace support operations and gender mainstreaming in security sector reform in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

She also served as a Service Development Marshal at TVQ Consulting Group, a customer service firm focused on designing strategic customer relationship and business growth plans for private and public financial institutions in Nigeria.

Omolara is a social justice advocate, a network weaver, and a convener. She has a postgraduate degree in Peace and Conflict Studies; a degree in International Relations and History, from the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria respectively.

She also holds executive certificates in Behavioral Science in Public Policy from Harvard University Executive Education in Cambridge and in Citizen Advocacy from the Coady International Institute, St Francis Xavier University in Canada.

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KWABENA KRODUAH

Kwabena Kroduah is a Ghanaian and currently heads the Finance Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in January 2008.

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CHARLES KOJO VANDYCK

Charles currently serves as the Head of the Capacity Development Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Charles has over 10 years of experience working in international development and social justice issues in Africa. Charles has expertise in strengthening civil society and public agencies including the design and implementation of governance and leadership programmes, development of knowledge pieces and policy advice. Charles was the founding Board Chair of Innovation for Change (i4C)-Hub Afrique, as well as the founding member of the International Consortium on Closing Civic Space (iCon), an initiative of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC. Charles currently serves as the Member of the Governing Board (Coordination Collective) of Africans Rising. He is a Member of the Development Studies Association, United Kingdom. Charles is a 2017 Stanford University Fellow for Nonprofit Leaders and a certified Change the Game Resource Mobilisation Trainer.

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NANA ASANTEWA AFADZINU

Nana Afadzinu is a Ghanaian and currently serves as the Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2010.

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