An international Youth empowerment program to build capacities of the youth which took place at the World Trade Centre in Accra has been described by participants as overwhelming as they feel more inspired than ever.
Under the Theme, “Ghana To The Moon”, it was organized by Philadelphia-based NGO @_Free 99 Fire Free Inspiration. It had seasoned speakers from USA and Ghana who touched on various areas in career development and mentorship.
The summit was attended by over two hundred participants drawn from tertiary and second cycle institutions across the country.
Issues of climate change and adaptation to sustainable development and youth entrepreneurship skills among others dominated the program.
Dr Victoria Esinu Vitashie, an international entrepreneur who doubles as West Africa Representative of Global 28 Credentials of Entrepreneurs, charged the participants not to rely on government before they start something since, “government is not any other person but we as people.”
She referred to the error in the mentality that when one completes school, he or she will be employed by government, adding that this mindset must be changed and students must have a new orientation which empowers them to set up their own businesses after school.
Dr Vitashie gave an example where she learned a couple of vocational skills which helped her to a certain stage of her life.
In an interview with the Founder and CEO of @_Free 99 Fire Free Inspiration, Mr. Emil Akolatse said the “Ghana to the moon” conference seeks to bring a whole aspect of entrepreneurship to create a pipeline for resources, job opportunities and trainings, adding that Google, amazon and other international companies are partners.
He said there are companies that invest in the program who also have their employees with them.
He added that there is an aspect of mentorship component where there will be creation of job recommendations.
Dr Vitashie explained that they seek to connect the youth for employment.
“Our goal is to connect the outside companies and companies here and even create the understanding of the virtual – where you don’t have to physically go to a place to work, but to work with your phone, your laptop, and we have all these components.
Habiba Abdul-Aziz , a participant said the program is an eye-opener which has exposed her to many things she has not heard before.
According to her, she has learnt a lot of things such as the realisation that she can start her business with small capital and grow it later.
She expressed her gratitude to the organizers for their passion for youth development.
Kpetoe Kwame Ali, a youth activist said what he has learnt will impact on his activities.
He said the program focused on critical aspect of career development, adding that it also serves as a link between Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora.
