Ghana faces a pressing challenge: youth unemployment. With a significant portion of its young population struggling to find meaningful work, the need for effective skills development programs has never been more critical. Enter the Africa Street MBA, an initiative dedicated to equipping young Ghanaians with the tools they need to thrive. Recently, the organization established interdisciplinary Youth Enabling Clubs in four schools within the Kwahu Afram Plains North District (KAPND). These clubs are designed to enhance **youth skills development** and foster **entrepreneurship education** among students in underprivileged communities. The program focuses on three core areas: Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, and Digital Literacy, aiming to provide a holistic approach to **youth skills development**.
The establishment of these Youth Enabling Clubs marks a significant step towards addressing these challenges directly within the Afram Plains region.
The initiative aims to empower young people to transform their passion into enterprises and to become financially responsible.
Mr. King A. Wellington, Project Lead of Africa Street MBA, emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to grassroots empowerment. “Over the years, Africa Street MBA has been on the forefront of empowering the youth who resides in the Kwahu Afram Plains North District at the grassroot level by training, coaching and mentoring youth in the informal sector on how to become micro-entrepreneurs and build life from there,” he said.
The Youth Enabling Clubs have several key focus areas designed to provide a well-rounded education.
The clubs aim to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, providing students with the practical skills and knowledge to start, run, and grow their own businesses. The program will help students identify opportunities to turn their hobbies, passions, and skills into viable micro-businesses.
In an era of increasing financial scams and the allure of betting, financial literacy is more important than ever. The clubs will equip students with the necessary knowledge to make informed financial decisions, protecting them from fraudulent investment schemes and the dangers of addiction.
Recognizing the importance of the digital economy, the clubs will also provide training in essential digital skills. Students will learn coding, digital marketing, and e-commerce, preparing them for the jobs of the future and enabling them to participate in the global marketplace.
More than 500 students recently participated in a two-day capacity-building engagement. The students were encouraged to cultivate a positive mindset and a can-do attitude.
Mr. Emmanuel Adablah, Assistant Headmaster of Donkorkrom Agriculture Senior High School, praised the initiative’s impact. “Africa Street MBA’s commitment to empowering young minds with these essential skills is truly commendable,” he noted. “We are already seeing a positive shift in students’ understanding of business principles and financial management.”
The initiative also garnered support from local government officials. During a courtesy visit, Mrs. Victoria Atsufui Yawa Barko, the District Education Director, commended Africa Street MBA’s efforts and encouraged the organization to continue its work in **youth empowerment**.
The Africa Street MBA project, implemented by DONE BY US with support from the KGL Foundation, represents a broader effort to address youth unemployment and bridge the gap in business knowledge. The project provides training, coaching, mentorship, business development services, and funding opportunities. It specifically targets marginalized youth, persons with disabilities, women, and those with low education. Since 2022, the project has trained over 7,000 young people across seven regions, demonstrating its significant reach and impact.
The Africa Street MBA initiative and the establishment of Youth Enabling Clubs in the Afram Plains represent a crucial step forward in **youth skills development** in Ghana. By focusing on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital literacy, the program is equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The initiative underscores the importance of investing in the next generation and providing them with the opportunities to build a brighter future.
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