Drive to Inspire – Africa (DTI-A), a youth-focused nonprofit organization founded by Nana Adjoa Hackman, has marked another milestone in its mission to empower young Africans through outreach, mentorship, and scholarships. At a recent gathering, the organization shared its achievements over the past year while calling for continued support to expand its impact.
Expanding Outreach Across Ghana
Since its launch, DTI-A has significantly broadened its reach. Initially authorized to visit public schools in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central regions, the organization has now extended its work to Ashanti, Volta, and Western regions. The expansion has been made possible through strategic partnerships with institutions such as GH Express Transport Services, which provides safe and comfortable transport for outreach programs, and Hashcom, which donated an interactive smartboard to enhance learning sessions.
Mental health and wellness have also been incorporated into the outreach curriculum, thanks to a partnership with the Wholesome Mind Summit. This initiative ensures that students receive guidance on drug abuse, relationships, and sexual health, with additional support for school guidance counselors.
Scaling Mentorship Beyond Borders
The mentorship program, which began as a pilot with 10 mentees, has grown into a continent-wide initiative. In 2024, DTI-A successfully paired 27 young women with mentors in a structured one-on-one program. Building on this success, the upcoming session, set to begin on March 1, 2025, will engage 174 mentees and mentors from eight African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Liberia, and Zimbabwe.
“This program has not only been transformative for our mentees but also for our mentors, many of whom say they have refined their leadership skills through the experience,” Hackman noted.
The improved program will now feature a hybrid approach, combining direct mentorship with monthly seminars to maximize learning and engagement.
Scholarship Program Gains Momentum
A significant highlight of the event was the introduction of DTI-A’s scholarship program, which was made possible through funds raised in 2024. The first cohort of beneficiaries received full tuition and accommodation support, including laptops, to aid their academic journey. The organization aims to increase the number of scholarships in the coming years.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, we are changing lives and making tertiary education possible for students who otherwise saw it as an unattainable dream,” Hackman emphasized.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Initiatives and Seeking Support
DTI-A has ambitious plans for 2025, including:
- Expanding outreach to tertiary institutions, beginning with the University of Ghana.
- Conducting more in-person and online training sessions.
- Hosting youth seminars.
- Offering additional scholarships.
- Creating more internship opportunities.
- Strengthening the mentorship program.
- Launching a podcast series tailored to African youth.
To support these initiatives, Hackman called on individuals and organizations to contribute by donating, partnering, volunteering, or offering internships.
“As we continue to empower young Africans, we recognize that the more we reach out—especially to young women—the clearer it becomes that all dreams are possible with the right support,” she stated.
About Nana Adjoa Hackman
A seasoned lawyer and entrepreneur, Hackman is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Africa Legal Associates (ALA), with expertise in corporate governance, banking, and petroleum law. She has served on the Board of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and holds an Executive MBA from Imperial College Business School. Through DTI-A, she is committed to fostering leadership and education among African youth.
