Fresh off the heels of April’s graduation
ceremony, a collection of up to 50 past and present vocational training
students reunited for the introduction of a new and exciting initiative to
support their growing businesses.
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| Vocational Training Apprentices |
On Saturday, June 2nd Youth
Alive (YA) relaunched its first round of financial literacy programming in partnership
with Barclays Bank Ghana and Tools for Self Reliance (TFSR). Delivered by
Barclays Bank representatives with solid experience in business and
financial management, the program promises to develop and foster the skills and
attitudes needed for business success. The series of workshops will cover important
facets of entrepreneurship and provide a forum for sharing ideas, questions and
concerns with peers and professionals.
Local Chief, Dakpema Mahamadu Alhassan
Dawuni was on hand to formally launch the session at the YA Northern Region
Head Office in Tamale. He spoke to the importance of engaging youth in income
generating ventures as a proven deterrent against unnecessary conflict and
a catalyst for prosperity in the community.
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| Tamale Chief Dakpema Mahamadu Alhassan
Dawuni (centre) |
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“We hope this program will
be very effective."
Kofi Quao, Barclays Bank Manager |
The reintroduction of such beneficial
programming is the enrichment of an already fruitful relationship between YA and
key sponsor Barclays Bank. Bank Manager, Mr. Kofi Quao, commented that the
organization envisions a “holistic partnership” with YA and greater involvement
with YA beneficiaries and programs. “We are ready to support you in whatever
areas we can,” he promised.
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“You are doing very well and I want to see
you doing even more.”
YA Director Agnes Chiravira |
YA Director Agnes Chiravira was proud to
welcome back old and new faces from the vocational training program and invited
their active participation by sharing successful business ideas and
practices. She praised the leadership of old graduates in supporting vulnerable
youth through their ventures and challenged the new graduates to further
champion the cause. “[Your training and success] is for all the vulnerable
youth in Tamale,”
Mr. Mohammed Basit of Barclays Bank
introduced the inaugural session’s theme: Enhancing Effective Growth of Small
Scale Business. He challenged the group to adhere to seven management
strategies that would ensure sustainability, growth and the ultimate success of their ventures. The presentation
discussed issues regarding the establishment of business procedures, internal
and external environment assessments, business goals and customer service
excellence. Rounding off the session, Mr. Quao drove home the impact of
self-discipline on business. Basic yet imperative principles such as honesty,
confidentiality, punctuality and overall responsibility were addressed as demonstrations
of serious and successful entrepreneurs.
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| Student engagement in open forum |
The beneficiaries had a strong and vocal
response to the information provided and knowledge gained from the workshop. Many of them were grateful for the opportunity to attend the
presentation and acknowledged the increased need for such support in enhancing
the quality and scope of their business activities. Ever the ambitious group,
many also further inquired as to how to secure expanded funding from financial
institutions like Barclays Bank to make their dreams of growth a reality.
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| Student engagement in open forum |
YA financial literacy programs have been
launched and will continue throughout the Northern (Tamale), Upper East
(Bolgatanga) and Upper West (Wa) Regions. Partnership programs like this one
ensure the sustainable development and success of YA student trainees and
ensure that organizational programs have the broadest impact possible
throughout the local community. You can continue to support our beneficiaries by giving through our website.
Photographs courtesy of Alexander Ogle.
