Dr. David Oh, the Country Director of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) in Ghana, has called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and NGOs to support entrepreneurship and vocational training for young people. In an interview, he emphasized the importance of developing youth through hands-on skills training and urged the government to play a role in expanding their initiatives.
“We are committed to empowering the youth through skills training, but we need the government’s support to scale up our efforts,” he said.
Currently, IYF operates a hand skills training school in Kenya, where 5,000 students graduate every semester. Inspired by this success, the organization aims to establish a similar school in Ghana to provide free training in various fields, including decor, catering, ICT, French, Korean language, and fashion.
“We started with 300 students, but due to challenges, not all of them completed the program. However, we are proud to say that 100 students have successfully graduated so far,” Dr. Oh stated.
To achieve their vision of training 5,000 students every semester in Ghana, IYF is seeking government support to acquire land for the construction of a dedicated training facility. “The funders are ready to build the structure, but we need the government’s assistance in securing land,” he explained.
On February 23, 2025, the IYF Academy Training Graduation Ceremony was held at Asofan, Accra, marking the successful completion of a transformative three-month program. The program equipped students with valuable skills in household chemicals, ICT, floral decorating, pastries, and language studies such as Korean and French.
“This training is not just about learning skills. It is about shaping a new mindset and providing the youth with the confidence to build their future,” said one of the instructors.
Beyond technical training, the program also focused on fostering a positive mindset and providing spiritual guidance. Graduates of the program not only gained practical skills but also developed an entrepreneurial spirit.
“We don’t just train them; we support them beyond the classroom. Some of our graduates have already received assistance to start their own businesses,” Dr. Oh added.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the individual graduates, influencing their families, peers, and the broader community. “This is just the beginning. With the right support, we can empower thousands more and create real change in our society,” he concluded.
