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Strengthening Families Conference—A Global Movement to Strengthen the Rising Generation
Conference viewership exceeded 45,000
The fourth annual Strengthening Families Conference was held on the 24th and 25th of June 2022. Elder Larry S. Kacher, First Counselor of the Africa West Area Presidency, in collaboration with the Ghana Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Ghana National Commission on Culture; Ghana Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, Ensign Global College, African Business Center for Developing Education, Etherean Mission and other partners welcomed over 45,000 in-person and online viewers. The conference was held at the National Theatre of Ghana and the Christiansborg Stake in Accra, Ghana.
With live streaming occurring on Zoom, YouTube and Facebook Live, virtual participation exceeded 44,000 viewers from around the world. Viewers tuned in from Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and as far away as the Philippines. Viewers also gathered in seminary and institute centers and stake centers all over West Africa to join the conference live.
Dr. Isatou Touray, former vice president of the Gambia was the invited guest of honor. At the conclusion of the conference she said, “This brings all religions right to the center. It is their responsibility to make all people feel like they have hope and love. I have loved seeing the interfaith involvement. Imams, Catholic fathers, reverends, ministers and our host, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, coming together to make our youth the priority.”
On Friday the 24th, the conference participants arrived at the National Theatre where booths and exhibits were set up for hands-on participation. The booths included exhibits from Ensign Global College, Ghana Tech Lab, Children Youth and Development, Family Search, YSA Gathering Place, National Commission on Culture, BYU Pathways International, Delfi Ventures, African Business Center for Developing Education, Emotional Resiliency, LDS Charities and Self Reliance.
During the exhibitions, Family Search set up over 24 computers and provided a discovery experience for participants at the National Theatre. Family Search consultants from the Area provided a discovery experience. They were asked to pray before they came to the conference to be guided how to identify the type of discovery experience that would touch the individual and allow the spirit of Elijah to touch their hearts.
Experiences included discovering about their personal name and where their ancestors were from. One of the highlights was the introduction to African oral histories.
The Gathering Place exhibit taught how young single adults improve personal preparedness by attending institute, taking self-reliance classes, and learning valuable trade skills to improve their employment prospects. Gathering Places have been instrumental in helping young single adults develop relationships with one another and to enjoy fun activities.
Chairperson King Nii Dr. Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, president of the Ga Traditional Council attended the event on Saturday. Traditional drummers and music welcomed him to the conference at the Christiansborg Stake center.
At the conclusion of the conference, Elder Kacher invited all participants in person and online to act and go into their communities, their churches, their homes and begin to do something to help the rising generation. He encouraged everyone to find something that they could personally do to encourage and invite others to participate in strengthening the rising generation and then return and report on their efforts in the Strengthening Families Conference 2023. Elder Raymond and Sister Comfort Egbo accepted the invitation to host the conference in 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria.