Many researchers have proven that the only way people can develop an entrepreneurial mindset is by applying a learning-by-doing approach to present situations. Entrepreneurship is the driver of Ghanaian society and this has been proven as a key role in development. For instance, Ghana has achieved impressive growth over the past decade and has maintained some modest gains in macroeconomic targets and enterprise development. Despite all these achievements, Ghana still faces some deficiencies in economic and entrepreneurial activities. We need to change this status quo! To develop an entrepreneurial mindset means taking calculated risks and writing your thoughts down. Ghanaian people in various communities need to be provided with skills, tools, and value creation resources.
One way we can achieve value creation is through Conservational Education which is dedicated to promoting understanding and respect for our natural environment through education of children and adults alike, protection and management of the community’s natural resources, citizen science, and programs that encourage outdoor participation. An important aspect of this initiative that comes out is how the culture of entrepreneurship can be promoted; the fact that young people in their various communities are the movers of this conservational education agenda makes them understand the tenets of entrepreneurship and the exemplary custodianship of their community’s natural resources, inculcating in them the spirit (mindset) of entrepreneurship.
Promoting Conservation Educational programs in Ghanaian communities will encourage people to spend more time outdoors connecting with nature and to understand the value of nature and the mechanisms for sustainability. A walk in the forests and our natural environment, according to experts, can improve the academic and developmental growth of young people. In Ghana, some programs that we believe can be used for Conservation Educational activities and community actions in developing people’s entrepreneurial mindset include:
- Initiate a flower/ Horticultural Business.
- Organize an annual camping excursion.
- Build a Community weather station.
- Developing the “Green Hour” Awareness Campaign.
- Organize a Community Hiking Club.
- Invent your own Nature Game.
- Plant a garden.
In conclusion, the entrepreneurial mind is like a dream. The more you keep your ‘eyes closed’ enjoying it (the dream), the fallacy it becomes but the very moment you wake up with your ‘eyes opened wide, and putting your thoughts to work it becomes a reality. Henceforth, promoting Conservational Education in our Ghanaian communities is, therefore, a type of therapy that is free of side effects, enterprising, and inexpensive. Everyone needs to get onboard that dream because until you develop that mindset to meet that dream, the results will remain but the same – a dream.
By Ebenezer Boahene Annoh
Co-founder/ Media and Communications Officer
Photo Credit: April Wennerstrom