52 graduands who were enrolled this year on the entrepreneurship track of the NBU-YEC project have been supported with start-up tools worth GHS 200,000.
Among the tools which have been handed over to them by officials of the project include 34 sewing machines, 8 overclock machines, 1-flatlock machine, 2 ovens, 2 mixers, 7 dryers and 7 washing basins.
They received the items on 19th October, 2024; a day marking their official graduation after undergoing 6 months training in entrepreneurship.
Officials of the project believe the tools will help them start their businesses and also expand and diversify their operations.
Their total number add up to other 59 trainees who were enrolled during the year under review on the employability and core life skills programme, making their total number 111.
All graduated same day.
Under the core life skills component of the program, trainees were equipped with critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem solving skills.
They were also trained to identify their strengths and weaknesses and guided to set goals for themselves and their business.
Those who opted for employability program received training in CV writing, job search and job interview preparation. They were also equipped with knowledge in rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, personal grooming, emotional intelligence and professional ethics as well as behavior at the workplace. NBU-YEC facilitated the placement of young people in this track on internships after undergoing coaching to build their experience and expose them to decent job opportunities.
Those who were offered entrepreneurship training were equipped with skills on pitch preparation, development of business plan.
They also received technical support in registering their businesses, customer care, packaging and sales.
Trainees on this track after receiving these skills were placed with service providers to receive hard skills training in their chosen trades.
Disclosing the above in his address at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Bernard Amoako (Programme Director, SOS CV, Kumasi location) announced that, a total of 23 trainees are currently receiving hard skills with 8 in fashion design, 3 in hairdressing and makeup, 1 in soap making and 11 in bakery.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
The event witnessed the attendance of Civil Society Organisations, traditional leaders, Muslim and Christian clerics, among others.
Certificates of completion were presented to the graduans.
ABOUT NBU-YEC
The project begun in October 2022 with funding from SOS Children’s Villages, Netherlands to continue the achievements in youth development of the NBU project in the Municipality and Kumasi at large.
