Akwaaba to EQWIP HUBs Accra, Ghana!

Worldwide, youth unemployment and the complications that result are a significant issue, including Ghana. Over the past several months while preparing for a successful launch of EQWIP HUBs, we have learned and gained insight regarding youth unemployment in Ghana.

In Accra, young women and men experience different opportunities, conditions and privileges that are not always equal across the socio-economic landscape. We believe that the future of Ghana depends on youth developing practical and technical skills in order to address the current youth unemployment situation.

The potential for youth to shape economic development is incredibly high. Once equipped with the knowledge and skills to be involved in the job market, we believe that young people will draw on their talent and resiliency to shape the outlook of their lives.

As a melting pot of culture, ideas and community, Accra is an ideal location for an innovative EQWIP HUB!

There are few words that could describe how excited we are to start working with youth in this dynamic urban city! Through working directly with youth in Accra, we would like to enrich their employment opportunities and livelihoods. This will come from skills development, resource-bridging, technology access, capital, support and relationship-building.

In particular, the HUB program aims to be an inclusive space and to provide gender responsive programming to engage youth in its employment and entrepreneurship programs and its livelihood activities. Integrating gender equality throughout policies and practices is fundamental in addressing and supporting the diverse needs of both young women and men. In this way, we can work towards establishing a global network of innovation spaces that connect and transform the economic trajectory of youth.

At EQWIP HUBs, we are working in collaboration with Enablis, YMCA and National Service Scheme, who focus on entrepreneurship, vocational training, and employment skills. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with experienced partners, and will work to complement their programs and services.

The journey that we are embarking on at EQWIP HUBs Accra would not be possible without the dedication and passion of our stellar team. Working with such a talented and proficient team has made our experience in setting up this EQWIP HUB a positive one.

Our next step is to launch the Employment and Work Readiness Program, designed to help youth explore their unique skills and abilities as well as to apply them towards finding a job. The three-month program provides opportunities for youth to identify the skills that local job markets are seeking, to practice these skills in order to prepare, to gain confidence while job searching and to support youth to find and secure employment. The program has been designed in collaboration with local organizations to ensure the skills and lessons are relevant to both young women and men in Accra.

If you are a youth in Accra between the ages of 18 to 35 and you are interested in becoming part of our Employment and Work Readiness Program, please contact accra@eqwiphubs.org to find out how you can get involved!

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