Cedis & Pesewas: Regional Financial Literacy Program Launch

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.

Vocational Training Apprentices

On Saturday, June 2^nd 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.

Tamale Chief Dakpema Mahamadu Alhassan Dawuni (centre)

“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.

“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.  

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.

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.