Halidu Abdulai: Youthmakers Hub played a pivotal role in enhancing my self-awareness and uncovering my potential

I’m Halidu Abdulai, a 26-year-old Ghanaian currently pursuing a master’s degree in Information Technology in Finland. My passion lies in integrating machine learning solutions into system software, with the aim of building intelligent systems. Over the years, I have achieved significant milestones in various sports, including football and athletics. My ultimate aspiration is to become a machine learning engineer and contribute to addressing critical global challenges, such as combating climate change, using the power of artificial intelligence.

I first learned about Youthmakers Hub in July 2018 when I had the opportunity to meet some YMH team representatives in Tamale, Ghana. 

This introduction took place during an event that was held around my place of residence. When I initially encountered the YMH team, I was captivated by the diverse range of activities they orchestrated for young people. Among these activities were events focused on entrepreneurship and workshops, which piqued my interest. Consequently, my engagement with YMH began. 

I took part in the We AfriHug project, which was held in Ghana in 2018. Throughout the campaign, various training sessions and workshops were conducted. Notably, there was a workshop dedicated to training high school students in communication and public speaking skills. The overarching goal of the project was to empower individuals to engage in community planning and foster self-awareness.

YMH played a pivotal role in enhancing my self-awareness and uncovering my untapped potential. 

Even though I had graduated from high school two years prior, financial constraints had hindered my ability to attend university. However, my encounter with YMH opened my eyes to a multitude of opportunities I could leverage. I managed to complete my bachelor’s degree and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree without incurring any financial burden, all thanks to the opportunities YMH made me aware of. 

They have consistently provided me with valuable opportunities, enabling me to participate in various conferences and events that have enriched my educational experiences. 

My participation in activities of Youthmakers Hub has had a positive ripple effect on those around me. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring individuals in my community, helping them to enhance their self-confidence by sharing the skills I gained through YMH. Furthermore, I’ve actively contributed to the success of several young people by assisting them in reviewing scholarship applications, resulting in them securing scholarships to study abroad at no expense. This engagement has allowed me to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those I’ve had the opportunity to mentor and support.

YMH has been instrumental in boosting my self-confidence, refining my public speaking abilities, and enhancing my problem-solving skills. 

The skills I acquired through my engagement with YMH have proven invaluable in various aspects of my life. They have empowered me to effectively lead numerous student unions and have been instrumental in my success as an engineering student. I’ve been able to apply these problem-solving skills gained through YMH to excel in my academic pursuits and leadership roles.

Through my experiences with YMH, I learned to believe in my capabilities and have since witnessed significant personal growth.

One of my most cherished moments with YMH was the day I met Konstantinos, one of the YMH representatives. Within five minutes of our conversation, he fearlessly declared that I was destined for great things. I could not quite understand what he saw in me that provoked such a statement at the time, but his words have remained etched in my memory. Remarkably, his foretelling has come to a realization, as I have been presented with remarkable opportunities that have led me to places I might never have reached otherwise.

My association with YMH has introduced me to a network of remarkable individuals who have played a pivotal role in my academic journey. 

These connections have been invaluable in broadening my horizons and fostering my personal and academic growth. The most noteworthy accomplishment stemming from my involvement with YMH is the development of my self-confidence. It has been instrumental in transforming me into a resilient individual, ultimately fostering my determination and an ongoing string of achievements. This newfound self-assurance has been the cornerstone of my unwavering commitment and continual success.