ANNANDALE, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES, January 7, 2015 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In this year, 2015, anyone who has been listening to the news knows that many nations in Africa are in trouble. There is growing conflict even in some of the more stable countries, and disease, hunger, and poverty – the things that we do not wish to think about in conjunction with families and communities. Many African communities are struggling to be stable and peaceful, and are seeking help. The organization 72 Africa is working to make a difference. They act as advocates, they teach conflict resolution, and they research problems to find solutions other than violence. But these things do not address a very basic need: Hope.

They seek to build hope for young people across Africa by creating facilities in which they can learn basic work skills that will let them either find jobs or start businesses of their own. They have recently acquired three facilities that comprise The Center for Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies (CECOTAPS}, and can be used for these purposes. However, the facilities are in sad need of renovation.

There is a kitchen, where students can be trained in food services. It currently needs modern cooking equipment and an attractive dining area where students can be trained in the skills needed to work in or run a restaurant. The twenty-four bed guest facility also needs updated so that students can be trained in the skills needed to run a hotel or motel. Finally, there is the office facility which includes a meeting hall that can seat 300 people. This will make an area for conferences and training programs, especially for African youth.

One of the greatest causes for unrest in Africa is that unemployed or underemployed youth are hired by armies to become part of ongoing conflicts. Many of these youngsters either have no job, or they have jobs that are going nowhere, and that do not pay a living wage. Consequently, the money paid to them to take up arms is very attractive. Through providing training for useful job skills, through micro-financing and other community support programs, 72 Africa hopes to break the cycle of poverty and violence which has troubled many African nations in recent years. The CECOTAPS, or Center for Conflict Transformation and Peace Studies is located in Damongo, in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Ghana has a broad mix of religions, and an even greater number of different languages. Fifty seven percent of the population is employed in agriculture. Ten percent of the urban population lacks access to clean water, twenty percent of the rural population lacks access to clean water. They have a seventy five percent literacy rate. Life expectancy is about sixty-five years. The area is rich in resources, and they have a moderate unemployment rate – about eleven percent. This relative prosperity has been created through a century of careful management. Yet, within the past 30 days, radical groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria have had an impact on Ghanian youth by luring them with money and a purpose, though not one that will benefit the future of Ghana or the youth themselves.

Many of the current employment opportunities are provided through services. In order to offer youngsters who are now growing up into the work force meaningful economic choices, they need educational opportunities and practical experience. This is what 72 Africa, utilizing the CECOTAPS, wants to provide, first in Ghana and then in other areas of Africa, so that these youth can have hope and a future that is not tied to conflict.

Jamie Sample, Tim Sample, and Clement Aapengnuo have started an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. You can be part of the 72 Africa solution by going to the website and making a contribution. Contributors can proudly display their partisanship by wearing a 72 Africa t-shirt or an embroidered shirt. Or contributors can select a specific area to sponsor, and have their name on a plaque for that building. There is a need for sponsors who can contribute $1000 toward putting Internet into the training facility.

President Clement Aapengnuo has 15 years of experience working in conflict resolution in the area. CEO Tim Sample provides the business know-how for the center. Jamie Sample is the executive administrator. Their motto is “Our Sandals in the soil now can prevent boots on the ground later.” They are working toward grass roots economies that are sustainable, peaceful and productive. They need your contributions to maintain the momentum they have developed and to keep the interest of governments with whom they work. You can make monetary contributions that are critically needed. You can also help spread the word by posting on Facebook or Twitter. When tweeting, use #jobsforpeace.

This is 2015. The 21st century has been a tough world in which to live, but we can all make it a better place to live. We can offer hope to young people who need jobs; who need hope. We can support institutions that seek to end the conflict and promote a peaceful, productive world. Become part of the team.

About: The team leaders at 72 Africa (www.72africa.org) are Jamie Sample, Tim Sample, and Clement Aapengnuo. Reverend Dr. Clement Aapengnuo has 15 years experience in successful conflict resolution, education and peace building. CEO Tim Sample provides necessary business acumen to ensure successfully run programs, and Jamie Sample is the executive administrator. Their primary goal is to provide opportunities for sustainable, peaceful communities.

Jamie Sample
72 Africa
www.72africa.org
email us here