The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the Design and Technology Institute (DTI), has launched an initiative to create job opportunities for young individuals in Ghana.

One of Ghana's major challenges is the lack of employment opportunities for youth, particularly university graduates. According to statistics, more than 35,000 individuals with academic credentials struggle to find work due to a lack of necessary skills and experience.

However, this partnership aims to address this issue by offering technical education and training in various forms to help young people secure employment under the ‘Training to Thrive’ program.

Haki Asah, a participant in the program, emphasized the significance of the initiative in equipping him with skills for the real world.

He stated, "I returned to Wa after completing SHS because there were limited job prospects and training opportunities in my village, Kulkpong. While I had ideas, I lacked mentorship, training, and financial support to pursue my dreams."

"As soon as I heard about DTI and the Mastercard Foundation joining forces to assist young people, I knew it was an opportunity I had to seize and make the most of," he added.

Since the program commenced in 2021, over 1,000 young individuals have enrolled and received training to enhance their skills and capabilities for real-world impact.

Mastercard Foundation and DTI have ensured that the theoretical knowledge taught in schools can be applied practically, resulting in young people gaining improved skills, knowledge, and ideas to increase their productivity.

In the long run, the program has expanded access to employment opportunities for young individuals by fostering innovation and empowering trainees to potentially establish themselves as entrepreneurs in the future.