By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), Sept 30, GNA-AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has invested more than GH¢7.6 million to support various education and youth development initiatives for its host communities this year.
This includes scholarships and apprenticeship programmes, and other projects designed to empower the youth and prepare them well for meaningful employment.
Last year, the Mine committed over GH¢ 4 million to provide educational infrastructure, teaching and learning materials for basic schools in its communities.
Mr. Isaac Boakye Aduenin, Senior Manager, said this when Iduapriem Mine in collaboration with the Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions in Ghana (LiMAP-Gh) and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa organized the fourth edition of the “Exit in Readiness” mentorship programme.
The theme for this year was:” Honing Soft skills: A Practical Guide for Young Graduates.”
Mr. Aduenim said the theme addressed a critical aspect of future careers that was often overlooked. While technical expertise would always be the foundation of professional life, “it is soft skills that will set individuals apart in a competitive job market.”
He indicated that soft skills encompassed a range of personal attributes that enabled effective and harmonious interaction with others, and these include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, time management, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
He said: “In today’s dynamic work environment, the senior management said, employers were increasingly looking for candidates who would not only excel in their technical fields but also demonstrate these essential soft skills.”
He urged the “students needed to recognize the value of soft skills and make a conscious effort to practice and improve them by engaging actively in this mentorship programme, where the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals who have mastered these skills is provided.”
In addition, Mr. Aduenin entreated the students to take advantage of workshops, seminars, webinars, and practical exercises designed to enhance communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Seek feedback from mentors and peers and be open to constructive criticism. “It is through this process of reflection and adjustment that growth occurred”.
He was grateful to the dedicated team behind the initiative, particularly his colleagues from Iduapriem, LiMAP-Gh and UMaT for their relentless efforts in organizing the programme each year.
Mr. Aduenin added that as part of their ongoing commitment to youth development, in 2023 alone, they awarded full scholarship to 146 students from its host communities pursuing STEM related courses in tertiary institutions, with 53 percent of them pursuing courses related to mining.
Professor Anthony Simons, Pro Vice Chancellor of UMaT, thanked Iduapriem Mine for being the main sponsor for the programme and LiMAP-Gh for shining ahead and transforming the next generation.
He said these were the kind of things a student needed when existing into the world, entreating them to apply the knowledge they have gained through the mentorship programme to their future careers.
Some students who interacted with the Ghana News Agency after the event said, through the mentorship programme they have enhanced their confidence to stand ahead and give of their best.
GNA