What happens when communities, youth leaders, and development partners come together to reflect, learn, and co-create? You get a roadmap that’s not only strategic but deeply rooted in shared ownership and lived experience.

On 5th August 2025, STAR-Ghana Foundation convened a lively Evaluation Dissemination and Co-Creation Workshop for the KofKro OurCity Backbone Project, commissioned by the project’s funder, Botnar Foundation. The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including youth groups and representatives, civil society actors, duty bearers and technical partners to engage with findings from the independent evaluation and collaboratively shape the next phase of the project.

Reflecting on Impact, Reimagining Possibilities

The evaluation explored the project’s relevance, early outcomes, and implementation processes, with a particular focus on how the backbone model has contributed to coordination, stakeholder engagement, fund management, and learning. Participants engaged with key insights that highlighted both the strengths and areas for growth within the initiative.

The session provided a valuable space for reflection, allowing stakeholders to assess how far the project has come and envision what a stronger, more impactful Phase 2 could look like.

Breakout Sessions: Ideas That Build Futures

One of the most energizing aspects of the workshop was the breakout sessions, where participants rolled up their sleeves to co-create actionable recommendations for the next phase. Discussions centered on:

• Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods: Calls for targeted support to youth-led businesses and local enterprise development
• Skills Development: Suggestions to integrate vocational training, digital literacy, and mentorship programs
• Inclusive Governance: Emphasis on deepening youth participation in decision-making and strengthening accountability mechanisms
• Sustainability and Local Ownership: Ideas for embedding long-term community leadership and resource mobilization strategies

These sessions underscored the power of participatory planning and the importance of designing interventions that reflect the aspirations of those they serve.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment to Change

As the workshop concluded, one message rang clear: the future of the KofKro OurCity Project will be shaped by the very communities it seeks to empower. With renewed energy and a shared commitment to inclusion, stakeholders are now poised to co-create a Phase 2 that builds on lessons learned and delivers even greater impact.

With the support and funding from Fondation Botnar, STAR-Ghana Foundation remains committed to fostering spaces where dialogue leads to action, and where every voice contributes to building a more equitable and resilient Koforidua.