Ghana Health and Fitness Project

Project Title: "The Florence Brown" Initiative for Wellness and Empowerment

My project in Kwahu, Ghana, is a heartfelt mission to empower young and teenage girls by engaging them in sports, health, and fitness activities. With 50% of the revenue from my fitness classes dedicated to this cause, the project is based in the Kwahu Mountains—a place of deep personal significance. This long-term project is not just about fitness; it's about fostering confidence, inner strength, and a strong sense of community among teenage girls, while also promoting sustainable tourism in this beautiful region.

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Personal Story and Inspiration
This project is named and inspired by my grandmother, Florence, who was born in the Kwahu Mountains around 1945. Though she later moved to Accra to seek better opportunities, the mountains always remained a part of her identity. She often returned to reconnect with family and enjoy the refreshing climate. She always advised me to invest in land in Ghana. However, it took me years to embrace the responsibility of such a commitment, but my dream of giving back to my home country, especially through a project supporting girls’ empowerment, stayed with me.

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​                               My grandmother and me 

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In 2021, I was finally ready, both emotionally and financially, to take that step. I found land in Kwahu, where my grandmother was born, and realized I had the opportunity to create something much more meaningful than just a family home. As a former collegiate track and field athlete and police fitness instructor, sports gave me confidence, strength, and opened doors to higher education in the United States. I wanted to pass on these same gifts to the next generation of girls in Ghana. This project is my approach, in a way that feels deeply personal and purposeful.

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                                                                   Visiting the construction site with the local architect 

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Vision and Objectives
The primary vision is to create an outdoor, covered sports and fitness center where local girls can engage in activities that nurture both their physical and mental well-being. Working closely with a local architect, we aim to protect the natural beauty of the land by using sustainable materials that align with environmental conservation efforts. Alongside the fitness center, we will build lodging for tourists who visit Kwahu for its vibrant sports and adventure activities like paragliding and hiking. The tourism revenue will help fund the preservation of the site, and volunteer opportunities will allow fitness professionals to offer their skills to the local girls.

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Architectural drawing: 3 open fitness bungalows for yoga, martial arts,

outdoor gym. 3 bungalow in the back for tourists, 1 small bungalow for gatherings. 

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Partnership and Community Involvement
This project is centered on collaboration with the local Kwahu community. We are partnering with organizations such as LKT Tours (www.ltktours.com) and MentorHer (www.mentorher.org) to ensure the project reflects the true needs and aspirations of the community. By blending community empowerment with sustainable tourism, we aim to create lasting opportunities for economic growth, all while respecting the local culture and environment.

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                                                              Fitness events with local teenage girls in partnership with LTKTours and MentorHer

Progress and Timeline (Q1 2024 - Q1 2028)
Quarterly updates will be provided to keep our supporters informed. This 4 year project, and its progress will depend on the success of financial fundraising efforts, local collaboration, the availability of building material in Ghana, and stakeholder involvement. 

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Beyond 2028
Our long-term focus is to create a self-sustaining model that serves both the local community and the tourism industry. By the end of year four, we aim for the project to be a fully self-sustaining center of health and fitness empowerment and opportunity for girls and the broader Kwahu region.

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Conclusion
This project represents my personal journey and my vision for a healthier, more empowered generation of young girls in Ghana. Sports and fitness have given me so much—confidence, strength, and resilience—and I want to share these gifts with the girls of Kwahu. The natural beauty and rich sporting culture of the region provide the perfect setting for this endeavor. Through a careful balance of sustainable development and meaningful partnerships, we can create something that uplifts not only the girls but the entire community.

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I deeply appreciate your support and belief in this vision. Your contributions are vital in helping us empower young girls, promote health and wellness, and create sustainable opportunities for the community of Kwahu.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

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Jacqueline Kossiwa

JK, Fitness - FitnesswithKossiwa 

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