Transforming Lives, Protecting the Future: DARE Smart Mom Project Completes Charcoal Briquettes Training in Northern Ghana

The DARE Smart Mom Project has successfully concluded one of its most impactful components-the charcoal briquettes production training-marking a significant milestone in empowering young mothers while advancing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in Northern Ghana.

Implemented by DivaFam, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, and awarded by UNESCO, this initiative continues to demonstrate how integrated, community-centered interventions can transform lives at multiple levels-economic, social, and environmental.

A Holistic Empowerment Model

Fifty (50) young mothers from the communities of Kunnaa Yili and Kpana Yapala have successfully completed intensive training in:

  • Charcoal briquettes production (a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal)
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
  • Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA)
  • Digital literacy and responsible social media usage
  • Leadership and cooperative development

As part of strengthening collective economic power, two cooperatives have been formed, with registration processes currently underway. Additionally, market linkages have been initiated, positioning participants to transition seamlessly from training into income generation.

Economic Empowerment: From Vulnerability to Stability

For many of these young mothers, the project has created a pathway out of precarious livelihoods and risky migration.

Nma Azara, a 24-year-old mother of three, shared:

"Now I will no longer travel to Accra for kayaayei. I'll stay home and make money."

This shift is not just economic-it is deeply personal. By enabling women to earn sustainable incomes within their communities, the project reduces exposure to urban vulnerabilities while strengthening family structures and local economies.

Social Transformation: Confidence, Voice, and Agency

The DARE Smart Mom Project goes beyond skills-it builds confidence, awareness, and autonomy.

Participants have demonstrated remarkable growth in their ability to engage in conversations that were previously considered taboo.

Alhassan Aisha noted:

I'm no longer shy to talk about sex with my partner.

This reflects a critical breakthrough in body autonomy, communication, and reproductive health awareness, empowering women to make informed decisions about their lives and relationships.

Environmental Impact: Local Solutions to Global Challenges

At the heart of the briquettes training is a powerful environmental intervention.

Traditional charcoal production contributes significantly to deforestation. By contrast, briquettes are produced from organic waste materials, offering a cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternative.

Participants are not only adopting these practices-they are becoming advocates for climate action within their communities.

Samara Alidu expressed this growing consciousness:

If we cut down all our trees, where will we get shade to sit? Our rooms are extremely hot in the afternoon.

This shift in mindset signals a deeper understanding of the link between environmental degradation and everyday living conditions, from rising temperatures to loss of natural shade.


Strengthening Community Systems

The formation of cooperatives and VSLA groups is laying the foundation for long-term sustainability. These structures:

  • Promote collective savings and financial discipline
  • Enable access to micro-capital for business expansion
  • Strengthen peer support and accountability
  • Build local leadership and governance capacity

Coupled with digital literacy training, participants are now better equipped to access markets, promote their products, and engage with broader economic opportunities.

A Model for Scalable Impact

The success of this phase of the DARE Smart Mom Project highlights the power of integrated programming where economic empowerment, health education, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion intersect.

By addressing the multidimensional realities of young mothers, the project is not only improving livelihoods but also reshaping mindsets, strengthening communities, and contributing to climate protection efforts.

Looking Ahead

With cooperative registrations in progress and market linkages taking shape, the focus now shifts to scaling production, expanding market access, and deepening impact.

The journey of these 50 young mothers is a testament to what is possible when the right support systems are put in place.

They are no longer just beneficiaries they are entrepreneurs, advocates, leaders, and agents of change.

About the Project

The DARE Smart Mom Project is implemented by DivaFam, sponsored by the Mastercard Foundation, and awarded by UNESCO. The initiative is dedicated to empowering young mothers through sustainable livelihoods, health education, and leadership development, while promoting climate resilience and community transformation.