Creating a ‘can do’ buzz with a network of African mentors

Esi Yankah, 25, is a free-spirited, bubbly young woman that finds happiness in helping others become their best.

An active changemaker from Agona Kwanyako in the Central Region of Ghana, Esi Yankah is founder and president of The Africa Mentor Network (TAMN), a new kind of organization that allows African leaders to shape the lives of the younger generation through a measurable, long-term networking program.

Cautious to always live a life that is cheerful and purposeful, Esi does not believe that entrepreneurs like herself are an extraordinary breed of people; rather, as she explains, “We just back our faith with action.”

TEDxYouthInspire: What has been some of your greatest challenges so far with your project, The Africa Mentor Network?
Esi Yankah: Just like the Parable of the Sower, no good comes without challenges. The Africa Mentor Network, a project I am deeply passionate about, has taken me though many ups and downs. There have been days when I just want to give up, but I remind myself that people are counting on me and that keeps me moving.

In the initial stages, one major challenge I faced was getting people to support my vision for the organization. When you start something new, there is always a crop of disbelievers. You have those who join, but don’t want to put work into elevating the project; the naysayers, who discourage you and think the vision is too big; and those who just want to be attached to the project if it becomes big.

TEDxYI: You’ve been quoted as saying, “Africa needs us!” in relation to talented young Africans continuing to build a strong, fruitful continent. How is TAMN filling this need?
EY: There is a need in Africa for motivated, inspired young people who have an interest in opportunities on and development of the continent as a whole. Filling that need is the mission of TAMN. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the young and the old, the rich and the poor; to unite and become agents of change within our societies.

TEDxYI: How do you define success?
EY: Success means caring for people and bringing them along with you as you make your way up your ladder of achievement.

TEDxYI: What advice do you have for young Africans looking to make a positive change in the world?
EY: Young people need to rise up and be the change they want to see. They have to realize they are responsible for their own future and should therefore avoid being an audience. They need to become active participators in the process of transformation.

Esi Yankah will be speaking at TEDxYouthInspire in Accra, Ghana on April 10, 2010. To learn more about her visit www.africamentor.org.

Interview kindly conducted by TEDxYouthInspire volunteer Daisy Baffoe.