From peer mentor to Youth Researcher: Madonna’s reflections on green jobs in Ghana

Published on: Jul 2026

Ghana

“Research gives you the opportunity to interact with people, know what their challenges are, and try to create solutions.” — Madonna, youth researcher and CAMFED Association member, Ghana

In Ghana, climate change is increasingly affecting livelihoods, agriculture, and the economy at large. At the same time, the country is home to a growing generation of young people seeking meaningful work and opportunities to shape their future.

A collaborative research project convened by the University of Cambridge with support from the Mastercard Foundation, which included the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana, CAMFED and other partners, has captured the inspiring journeys of those who are seizing new opportunities for climate leadership. With determination and the right support, young people are building enterprises, championing environmental sustainability, and creating green jobs for themselves and others.

Madonna, a member of the CAMFED Association of women leaders educated with CAMFED support, is one of the young people who conducted this research, building on her experience as a trusted peer mentor (Learner Guide) working in close collaboration with young people and the wider school community.

As a Learner Guide, Madonna supported learners at her former school through study groups, mentoring, and delivering My Better World — CAMFED’s life skills and wellbeing program. She helped young people build confidence, resilience, and optimism about their futures, while also developing her own leadership skills.

My journey as a Learner Guide started in 2020, while in my second year of college, through the influence of my Learner Guide from high school. Being in this role taught me the essence of giving back to my community, and the power of being resilient. The role helped build my confidence and presentation skills and made me feel fulfilled because I was creating an impact in the lives of the next generation.

Madonna, youth researcher and CAMFED Association member, Ghana

Madonna’s role as a Learner Guide

“I remember there was a very timid girl who always had her head on the table and would not contribute in class. One day, when school was over, I sat with her to probe further.

She was an orphan living with her aunt and they were facing challenges at home. This caused her to be afraid to talk in public and afraid to make mistakes in class.

As her Learner Guide, I encouraged her to learn and speak up and I shared with her that no one has all the answers. I also asked a teacher to counsel her aunt on supportive behaviours at home.

Today, that learner is in high school and thriving. I have volunteered my time, knowledge and experience as a form of commitment to the Learner Guide program and this is because it can make an impact in the lives of learners.”

Experiences like these strengthened Madonna’s commitment to supporting young people and sparked her interest in understanding the wider challenges and opportunities facing her generation, including those linked to climate change.

How girls’ education drives climate leadership

CAMFED’s approach to climate education is based on the needs of the girls and young women we serve.

Peers support learners to build a deeper understanding of how climate change affects their communities while developing practical skills to strengthen resilience in their everyday lives. Delivered through the My Better World life skills and wellbeing program, this learning helps young people anticipate and prepare for climate-induced risks, and take positive action for themselves, their families, and their communities.

By combining climate knowledge, leadership development, and life skills, young people can prepare not only to navigate a changing climate, but to champion sustainable solutions.

Learn more about how girls’ education drives climate action

For Madonna, this connection between education and climate sparked a deeper interest in understanding how young people can contribute to climate solutions.

She joined CAMFED and ISSER’s youth-led green jobs research project, exploring how young people are seizing new opportunities and building sustainable livelihoods.

The research was designed to be youth-centered and youth-led, enabling young people to play an active role in generating evidence and shaping the conversation about their own futures

“I decided to join the green jobs research project as a Research Assistant to help unearth opportunities that could be found in the green space for young Africans. Through the project, we were able to discover other jobs that we didn't even know existed that young people could go into and make a living out of.”

Madonna

The African Development Bank (AfDB) defines green jobs as employment opportunities that arise from the transition to a green economy, focusing on sustainable, low-carbon growth, climate resilience, and natural asset management.

Green jobs offer young Africans the opportunity to access meaningful work while gaining skills and experience in sectors that are critical for a sustainable future. At the same time, they can play an important role in reducing carbon emissions, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting local communities to adapt to environmental change.

As Ghana continues its transition towards a greener economy, education remains a critical foundation. Integrating climate literacy and green skills into everyday learning helps equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and capabilities they need to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and seize new opportunities.

Madonna’s journey from Learner Guide to youth researcher demonstrates what is possible when young people have access to knowledge, skills, and opportunities to lead. Through education, mentoring, and research, they can become champions of positive change in their communities and help shape a more sustainable future for all.