Team Heshima, a seven-member team formed through the Leadership Diary Training Program (LDTP) Accra chapter, has won the 2026 Community Impact Project competition with an initiative aimed at addressing gaps in essential medical equipment at the Pokuase Health Centre.
The team’s project, “A Breath of Hope for Pokuase,” was developed after members identified inadequate oxygen cylinders and other essential equipment at the health facility as a challenge affecting the timely delivery of care. The project seeks to provide oxygen cylinders, flowmeters, drip stands and blood-pressure monitors to support healthcare workers and improve patient care.
According to the team, the shortage of oxygen cylinders creates a challenge for healthcare workers, particularly when treating patients who require respiratory support or close monitoring. The situation can contribute to referrals when the facility is unable to provide the level of care required, potentially creating additional difficulties for patients and their families.
The project is designed not only to provide equipment but also to mobilise community members, health workers, relevant stakeholders and potential donors around the needs of the facility. Team Heshima said the initiative reflects the leadership principles members acquired through the LDTP by identifying a real community challenge, working collaboratively and developing a practical response.
According to the team, the project is expected to contribute to faster support for patients during emergencies, reduce unnecessary referrals and improve confidence in local healthcare services. In the long term, it hopes to contribute to a more reliable healthcare environment while supporting health workers with some of the essential tools needed to serve the community.
Team Heshima said its project embodies the vision of Youth Arise Organization to raise well-endowed and productive young people capable of taking up leadership roles and making meaningful contributions to their communities. The team described “A Breath of Hope for Pokuase” as an opportunity to demonstrate that leadership is not simply about holding positions, but about identifying problems, mobilising resources and taking action to improve lives.
Written by Samuel Adjetey Adjei
