ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM FELLOWSHIP - CLASS OF 2025
United Nations Academic Impact and MCN are proud to partner on the Millennium Fellowship. This year, 60,000+ young leaders applied to join the Class of 2025 on 7,000+ campuses across 170 nations. 290+ campuses worldwide (less than 5%) were selected to host the 4,500+ Millennium Fellows.
UNITED NATIONS ACADEMIC IMPACT AND MCN PROUDLY PRESENT IVY AMOAKO, A MILLENNIUM FELLOW FOR THE CLASS OF 2025.
University of Ghana | Accra, Ghana | Advancing SDG 10, SDG 4 & UNAI 9
" I am deeply passionate about advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. I believe that every person, regardless of ability, holds immense potential, and with the right opportunities, resources, and support, they can achieve far more than the world often imagines. I have seen how barriers; both physical and societal can limit dreams, and I am committed to breaking those barriers. I want to be the person who believes in, supports, and champions the aspirations of persons with disabilities, so they too can thrive and shape the future. "
Millennium Fellowship Project: SMILE FOUNDATION
The SMILE Foundation is a youth-led social initiative founded by Ivy Amoako at the University of Ghana to promote inclusion, compassion, and empowerment among marginalized communities. The name SMILE stands for Spreading Meaning, Inclusivity, Learning and Empowerment- capturing the spirit of the foundation’s mission.
The project seeks to address two interlinked social challenges in Ghana
1. the exclusion of persons with disabilities and 2. the neglect of street children. SMILE was created to advocate for accessibility, dignity, and educational opportunities for individuals who are often overlooked by mainstream systems. By combining advocacy, awareness, and community engagement, the foundation aims to create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the chance to thrive.
Currently in its foundational phase, SMILE is focused on building partnerships, conducting research, and developing programs that will drive long-term change. Planned initiatives include accessibility advocacy on campuses, mentorship for street children under a “Street to School” campaign, and empowerment workshops for young people living with disabilities.
At its core, SMILE believes that meaningful change begins with empathy and action. Through consistent effort, collaboration, and love-driven leadership, the foundation aspires to build a Ghana where every child smiles, every dream is valid, and every person belongs.
About the Millennium Fellow
Ivy Amoako is a third-year law student at the University of Ghana School of Law. Born and raised in Ghana, she currently resides in Accra. She aspires to become a lawyer specializing in international law and disability rights.
Ivy’s passion for these fields was sparked and deepened through her law school experiences. Serving as a course representative, she witnessed firsthand the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in academic settings. This experience inspired her commitment to advocating for their rights and working to create inclusive, enabling environments that empower them to thrive in education and beyond.
