Tamale, June 24, GNA – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international non-governmental organisation, has equipped a total of 526 youth in Tamale with various vocational and technical skills for them to create their own jobs and secure employment at various organisations.
Out of the figure, 250 youth comprising the first batch, were trained in 14 technical and vocational skills modules for six months, while the remaining 276 youth comprising the second batch, received professional development skills training, mentorship and business network support for six months.
The CRS partnered local training institutions like GRATIS Foundation, Ghana Progressive Hairdressers and Beauticians Association to train the beneficiaries in the various modules, including metal fabrication, graphic design, software design, beads and sandals making, soap making, events decoration and flower arrangement, electricals, tiles laying, hairdressing, fabric weaving.
This intervention formed part of the Youth-Led Initiatives for Employment (Youth LIFE 2.0) project implemented by the CRS in collaboration with the Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale and YEFL-GHANA to facilitate enabling environment, technical know-how, and professional development skills to vulnerable youth in the Tamale Metropolis.
Mr Daniel Mumuni, Country Representative of CRS, during a graduation ceremony for the beneficiary youth in Tamale said the training had prepared them to lead in their various fields of work.
All the beneficiaries wrote and passed the National Vocational Training Institute’s proficiency examination, and those into electrical installation were assessed towards receiving their licenses by the Energy Commission of Ghana.
Mr Mumuni said “The Youth LIFE 2.0 project provided beneficiaries with professional development skills training with a focus on self-awareness and goal setting, problem solving, conflict management, preparation for work, financial literacy as well as mentorship, and business network support to help them start their businesses or gain employment, which made the CRS youth intervention stand out.”
He told the beneficiaries that “You belong to a generation of infinite possibilities. You have the talent, the energy, and the potential to accomplish great things. We at CRS are proud to be part of that journey of realising those potentials and we will be ever present to support your growth.”
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister, said the project was in line with government’s efforts to solve the youth unemployment in the country and expressed appreciation to the CRS for its efforts and relentless support to move the engine of growth, and reduce poverty in the country.
Naa Alhassan Andani, former Managing Director of Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited lauded the intervention, and appealed to the government to invest in the youth through skills training to secure their future, emphasising that “We need to put our money where our mouths are.”
Sagnar-Naa Abdulai Yakubu, Paramount Chief of Sagnarigu, who chaired the event, was happy that some females benefited from the training indicating that it would empower them for the development of the country.
Ms Usama Yakubu, a beneficiary, who received training in dressmaking, said “It is my dream to become a fashion designer and CRS gave me the chance. The training has also prepared me as an entrepreneur, and this is good for my development.”
GNA