Live Now Volunteers Visit Nkwateng for Community Learning Experience

Live Now Volunteers Visit Nkwateng for Community Learning Experience Volunteers from the Live Now Foundation recently visited the town of Nkwateng, located about an hour’s drive from Akim Oda, for a day of experiential learning and cultural exchange. The visit gave the volunteers the opportunity to explore a small farming community and gain a deeper understanding of the environments many young footballers in the Live Now Academy come from. Experiencing life in the community helped the group reflect on how different the futures of these young athletes might be without the opportunities provided through the academy. During their time in the area, the volunteers also witnessed the environmental impact of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Large portions of land and nearby water bodies have been severely affected by these activities. Community members explained that many young men often turn to galamsey due to the lack of alternative economic opportunities. The visit coincided with a traditional ceremony in which Nana Ampadu Kyere Amoayaw II was enstooled as the Gyaasehene of Akyem Nkwateng. A Geomatic Engineer by profession, the newly enstooled chief has previously worked with the Live Now Foundation on the construction of football fields that support youth development. In his address, Nana Ampadu Kyere Amoayaw II expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized that leadership is a call to service and responsibility. While highlighting education as a key priority — including the vision of establishing a Senior High School in the town — the chief also outlined other development initiatives he hopes to pursue. These include the provision of boreholes to improve access to clean water, the construction of proper toilet facilities to improve sanitation, and the introduction of an annual homecoming festival to encourage indigenes living elsewhere to return and contribute to the growth of the community. He also made a strong appeal to the general public, community members, and development partners to support these initiatives, stressing that the development of the town will require collective effort and collaboration. For the Live Now volunteers, the visit was both eye-opening and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the Live Now Academy in providing young people with opportunities that can shape brighter futures.