Author: Clifford Lesiba Legodi

SayPro Chief Operating Officer Clifford Legodi has become a leading voice in advocating for equitable access to international youth travel opportunities. As part of the SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel program, he continues to champion the vision that every young person—regardless of background, geography, or socio-economic status—deserves a seat at the table in global learning and cultural exchange.

Inclusive travel is not just a social good, but a strategic investment in the future of the continent. For Legodi, youth from rural areas, informal settlements, and under-resourced schools should not be excluded from programs that help shape global citizens. “We cannot claim to be building a better Africa if we are leaving our most vulnerable youth behind,” he says. His work emphasizes not only bringing these young people into international spaces, but ensuring they are prepared, supported, and empowered before, during, and after their travels.

Under Clifford Legodi’s leadership, SayPro has implemented several critical reforms in its Erasmus+ travel initiatives. These include needs-based selection criteria, funding models that cover passports and travel documents, and pre-departure orientation sessions that build both confidence and cultural competence. The aim is to level the playing field for youth who may lack previous exposure to formal international platforms but possess immense potential and drive.

In Ghana, the program has created opportunities for marginalized youth to participate in hands-on cultural activities, leadership workshops, and entrepreneurial projects alongside peers from more privileged backgrounds. This diversity strengthens the exchange experience and challenges stereotypes. “When a girl from Limpopo dances beside a boy from Accra, and they both lead a youth dialogue on climate action—that’s the Africa we want,” Legodi reflects.

Legodi’s advocacy also extends to addressing systemic barriers. SayPro now actively partners with local governments, schools, and community-based organizations to identify and prepare youth who are often overlooked. It’s not about charity—it’s about equity and voice. SayPro provides tools such as online mentorship, access to mental health support, and digital storytelling training to help these youth share their own narratives with the world.

Inclusivity also means redesigning travel programs to accommodate youth with disabilities and those from LGBTQ+ communities. SayPro’s inclusive policies ensure safety, respect, and dignity for every participant. Legodi’s view is clear: “Representation must be meaningful, not symbolic. Every young traveler should feel they belong.”

Looking forward, Legodi is spearheading a new initiative within the Ghana travel program that connects returnees with local change-making hubs—places where they can apply their global insights to local development. The model of ‘travel to transform’ is core to SayPro’s mission.

In conclusion, SayPro COO Clifford Legodi’s dedication to inclusive travel is shaping a new generation of empowered, aware, and socially conscious African youth. Through his leadership, the SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel program is not just moving people across borders—it is dismantling barriers and building bridges for a truly inclusive Pan-African future.

Preparing youth for their first international travel experience is more than just packing suitcases and checking passports—it’s about building confidence, ensuring safety, and promoting inclusion. For many participants in the SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program, traveling abroad is a life-changing first. Hosting inclusive travel preparation sessions ensures that every young traveler, regardless of background or ability, feels seen, supported, and ready for the journey ahead.

Inclusive travel prep means recognizing and addressing diverse needs—whether they stem from economic backgrounds, physical or mental disabilities, cultural differences, language barriers, or anxieties about traveling. Many young people from underrepresented communities may carry fears or misconceptions about international travel, so inclusive sessions provide a space to ask questions, receive guidance, and bond with fellow participants.

A comprehensive and inclusive preparation program should cover several key areas:

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1. Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

Participants learn about Ghana’s customs, etiquette, dress codes, greetings, and taboos. Emphasis is placed on mutual respect—both for Ghanaian hosts and fellow exchange participants. Youth also reflect on how their own cultural identity will interact with the new environment, promoting self-awareness and cross-cultural empathy.

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2. Travel Logistics Simplified

Not all youth have family members who are seasoned travelers. Inclusive prep sessions walk participants through the basics:

• Understanding flight itineraries and layovers
• Navigating airports
• Managing passports and visas
• Packing appropriately for climate and culture

This guidance is crucial for first-timers and should be delivered in accessible formats—spoken word, infographics, visuals, and interactive simulations.

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3. Accessibility and Accommodations

For participants with physical, sensory, or learning disabilities, SayPro ensures that travel plans and environments are accessible. Inclusive prep sessions engage these youth early to understand and meet needs such as mobility aids, quiet spaces, medication routines, or translation services. Empowerment begins when participants know their rights and can advocate for themselves.

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4. Mental and Emotional Readiness

Travel can trigger anxiety, homesickness, or sensory overwhelm. Sessions include tools for emotional regulation, mindfulness practices, and stress management. Having peer support structures or assigned mentors for nervous travelers creates a network of encouragement.

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5. Financial Literacy and Budgeting

Even if flights and accommodation are covered, understanding personal budgeting for food, souvenirs, and incidentals is key. Inclusive sessions teach budgeting in practical terms, often tailored to those who may not have managed personal spending before.

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6. Family and Community Engagement

Inclusivity also extends to parents and guardians. Hosting community orientation days allows families to ask questions, build trust in the program, and support their children’s journey. SayPro ensures materials are translated and explained in local languages where needed.

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By designing prep sessions that are welcoming, empathetic, and interactive, SayPro helps level the playing field for all participants. Inclusion is not just a principle—it’s a practice that ensures no one is left behind. When first-time travelers feel informed and empowered, they are more likely to fully engage, learn, and return as ambassadors of change in their communities.

In conclusion, inclusive travel preparation is a foundation of equity in global youth exchange. It affirms that every young person, no matter their background, deserves the chance to grow through travel.

SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program

Youth travel is more than just crossing borders; it’s a transformative journey that opens hearts, minds, and perspectives. For participants in the SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program, the experience of traveling to Ghana provides a rich landscape for reflection—emotionally, culturally, and intellectually. Capturing these reflections through writing and publishing empowers young travelers to process their growth and share their stories with the world.

Travel reflections are personal narratives that delve into the emotions, insights, and learning moments from a journey. For youth participants, writing these reflections is a critical post-travel activity. It allows them to pause, look back, and articulate how their views have changed. What did they learn about themselves? What surprised them about Ghana? How has the experience influenced their future goals? These questions form the backbone of authentic and impactful reflection pieces.

Writing also enhances critical thinking, storytelling, and communication skills—all of which are vital in today’s interconnected world. Through journaling, blogging, or article writing, young people refine their ability to express complex ideas, embrace diverse viewpoints, and connect emotionally with readers.

To support this process, SayPro encourages participants to maintain travel journals during their time abroad. These journals act as daily companions where youth can note cultural encounters, interesting conversations, and challenges faced. When it’s time to write a full reflection, these notes become invaluable sources of detail and depth.

Once written, these reflections can be published in a variety of formats:

• Online blogs or websites hosted by SayPro or partner organizations.
• Youth magazines, newsletters, or local newspapers.
• Digital anthologies of stories compiled from different exchange participants.
• Social media platforms, where short excerpts or quotes can spark conversation.

Publishing reflections is more than just sharing—it’s a form of youth advocacy. These stories highlight the importance of international exchange, cultural understanding, and youth development in Africa. They can also influence policymakers, attract funders, and inspire peers who may be considering similar programs.

Importantly, youth reflections also help decolonize the narrative of global travel. Rather than relying on mainstream, often Western-centric perspectives, these reflections offer a uniquely African view of cultural exchange—where Ghanaian and Southern African youth engage as equals, collaborators, and storytellers.

To further enhance writing quality and reach, SayPro can offer reflection writing workshops post-travel. These sessions guide participants in choosing themes, structuring their stories, editing for clarity, and finding the right platforms to publish. Mentorship from experienced writers, journalists, or alumni can also play a powerful role in helping young people find their voice.

Beyond the benefits to the individual, publishing reflections strengthens the entire program’s visibility and legacy. It documents the impact of the Erasmus+ exchange in real voices and real experiences. It also becomes a source of learning for future participants, educators, and community stakeholders.

In conclusion, writing and publishing youth travel reflections turns fleeting experiences into lasting influence. It transforms youth from travelers into authors, from participants into thought leaders. Through each story shared, SayPro continues to amplify the journeys, dreams, and insights of Africa’s rising generation.

SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program

In many parts of Africa, community radio remains one of the most accessible and trusted sources of information. It serves not only as a communication platform but also as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and engagement—particularly among youth in remote or underserved areas. Recognizing this potential, the SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program is exploring the powerful idea of developing exchange-focused community radio series to share the transformative experiences and lessons learned during international youth mobility.

The idea is simple yet impactful: returnee participants who have traveled to Ghana under the SayPro Erasmus+ program collaborate with local radio stations in their home communities to create a series of radio segments. These segments share their stories, cultural learnings, and personal growth, while also highlighting key issues facing youth in both Southern Africa and Ghana. In doing so, the program bridges the gap between those who travel and those who may never leave their hometowns.

The format of the radio series can vary—ranging from weekly talk shows and interviews to mini-documentaries and storytelling episodes. Young people themselves act as producers, hosts, and reporters, ensuring the authenticity and relatability of the content. They might interview fellow exchange alumni, cultural experts, or Ghanaian youth they met during the program, offering a wide lens through which listeners can experience the exchange journey.

One of the key strengths of using community radio is its multilingual reach. In Southern Africa, broadcasts in local languages such as Zulu, Sotho, or Tsonga can make the content more inclusive and impactful. Similarly, sharing phrases and cultural elements from Ghana—like greetings in Twi or stories of daily life in Accra and Kumasi—helps cultivate appreciation for continental diversity and unity.

Another important element is interactivity. Community radio programs often allow call-ins or SMS contributions from listeners. This opens up dialogue between the youth who traveled and their peers back home. It turns the exchange into a shared learning process, where others can ask questions, offer reflections, and even get inspired to join future programs.

From a development perspective, these radio series promote soft skill development—including communication, research, digital audio editing, and public speaking. They also serve as tools for post-exchange engagement, keeping alumni connected to SayPro and their local communities. Additionally, the radio platform becomes a space to discuss issues affecting youth, such as unemployment, education, mental health, and entrepreneurship—through the lens of international exchange and collaboration.

Moreover, such initiatives align with the broader goals of inclusive knowledge-sharing. While digital platforms often dominate youth programming today, not all regions have stable internet access. Community radio ensures that young people in rural areas are not excluded from the conversation or opportunities for inspiration and empowerment.

In conclusion, creating exchange-focused community radio series is a powerful, inclusive, and culturally grounded way to extend the impact of youth travel programs. It transforms personal journeys into collective learning and allows for the continuous growth of young leaders. SayPro’s initiative shows that when stories travel, change follows—one frequency at a time.

SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program

Enhancing Intercultural Competence Through Travel – SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program

In a world where global challenges require collaborative solutions, intercultural competence has become a vital skill, especially for the youth. The SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program is strategically designed to develop this competence by exposing young participants to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. Through carefully structured exchange journeys, youth from Southern Africa immerse themselves in Ghanaian society, enabling them to better understand diversity and global interdependence.

Intercultural competence refers to the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from different cultures. It encompasses awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and cross-cultural communication skills. Developing this ability doesn’t happen overnight; it requires lived experiences, reflection, and guidance — all of which are integral to the SayPro Ghana Travel Program.

From the moment participants land in Ghana, they begin a journey of cultural learning. By living with host families, attending local workshops, engaging in storytelling sessions, and collaborating with Ghanaian youth on social projects, the travelers are continuously learning and adapting. They are encouraged to ask questions, observe local customs, and challenge their assumptions. This real-world context provides far more than textbooks or classroom lectures can offer.

One key method used by SayPro to build intercultural competence is dialogue facilitation. Participants engage in structured conversations about identity, cultural norms, social justice, and shared histories between Southern Africa and West Africa. These dialogues allow for empathy-building and critical reflection. Youth come to appreciate not only cultural differences but also shared aspirations, struggles, and values.

Language is another important element. While English is widely spoken in Ghana, participants are introduced to common Twi phrases and expressions. Learning basic greetings, for instance, is more than a linguistic exercise—it demonstrates respect for local customs and fosters trust. These simple efforts open doors to deeper relationships and help travelers integrate more meaningfully into local communities.

The program also includes visits to cultural and historical landmarks such as Cape Coast Castle and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. These trips are not tourist excursions; they are educational experiences that ground young people in the legacy of African unity, colonial resistance, and post-independence narratives. Understanding these contexts equips participants with a nuanced appreciation of Pan-African identity and shared responsibility.

Most importantly, intercultural competence built through this program does not end when the trip concludes. Participants return home with greater self-awareness, stronger communication skills, and a more inclusive worldview. Many become ambassadors of cultural understanding in their own communities, launching initiatives, workshops, or campaigns that promote unity and respect across differences.

In a continent as diverse as Africa, fostering intercultural competence is essential to creating future leaders who are empathetic, collaborative, and globally minded. The SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program stands as a model of how youth mobility can transform individuals while building bridges across borders. By investing in youth travel and exchange, we are nurturing a generation ready to lead with understanding and purpose.

SayPro Southern Africa Youth Project Erasmus+ Ghana Travel Program.

We arrived at 9:00 met and greeted the participants. 09:00 we started with the agenda.

At 15:00 meeting was adjourned. They was some sightseeing arranged. The first item was to visit the local market – we got some sovereigns and expressed the ghana culture. The second item was visited the boxing academy to see the athletes practicing, we meet the champions.

To finish off the day we went to a restaurant that served their traditional cuisines. We had gizzards and beef kebabs and fried plantains.

We then descendant home right after dinner.

We then went to close by petrol station which has KFC, ice cream store and Pizza in to try out Ghanaian KFC, instead of pap they serve rice and also have crisp chicken, Coated and fried similarly to wings, very delicious… we had Icream as for dessert and bought pizza to for dinner.

SayPro later went to the conference at Alisa Hotels for the meeting with Partners.Our session started with an Ice-breaker where we were given Ghanaian names based on the day of birth, Clifford’s name “Kofi” Bontle ‘s name “Akua”.

The second part of our sessions was made of group discussion with SayPro leading the discussion for “Mapping an online platform for the virtual exchange program”.

SayPro then presented the finding of the group discussions to the whole group.This was also followed by a set of tasks that each partner needed to do after the presentation.

SayPro then presented the finding of the group discussions to the whole group.This was also followed by a set of tasks that each partner needed to do after the presentation.

After the presentations by organisations.After the three presentations we agreed on the date of the first meeting and took a group picture.

After our lunch we headed back to the Guesthouse to prepare for the conference and make submissions for deadlines

We also had the privilege of seeing learners from a local school visiting the mall with a rather colourful uniform. This gave us a glimpse of how school uniform in Accra looks.

Our trip began with a nice long journey from Cape Town to Johannesburg on the 26 May 2025, our flights were booked for the 27 May at 17:00pm from OR Thambo International to Kenya