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Ghana
Beyond Stigma’s work in Ghana focuses on adapting and embedding Wakakosha within local realities, priorities, and lived experiences. Rather than replicating the Zimbabwe model, the programme was intentionally re-designed with Zvandirri alongside partners, WAPCAS and DAAKYE, and young people to ensure cultural relevance, ownership, and sustainability. Ghana represents a key site for learning on adaptation across populations, particularly adolescent girls and key populations.
Prior to delivery, the Wakakosha curriculum was collaboratively revised with partners and young people in Ghana to support modular and flexible delivery.
This included:
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Reframing the curriculum into a five-block model to enable adaptation across settings and groups
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Updating the activity journal to improve accessibility and flow
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Co-creating the programme name: Me Sombo (“I am Worthy”) and visual identity with young people, strengthening cultural relevance and local ownership
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This process ensured the programme reflected Ghanaian cultural, linguistic, and social contexts from the outset.
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In November 2024, Wakakosha was delivered in Ghana as Me Sombo through a six-day residential programme. To ensure safety and relevance, the programme was delivered through two parallel tracks, allowing tailored facilitation for distinct participant groups.
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Sessions were adapted to varying literacy levels and language preferences using visual tools, discussion-based methods, and alternatives to written expression.
Daily evaluations and facilitator reflections informed real-time adjustments to pacing and content.
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Ghana as a Learning Site
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Ghana has been central to Beyond Stigma’s understanding of how programmes can be meaningfully adapted across populations and settings. Insights from Me Sombo continue to inform peer support guides, mentorship models, and future adaptations in other countries.
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