News from Ghana: Brighter Prospects Thanks to Training Programme

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

2020 was an unprecedented year, Covid-19 challenged us greatly. We initiated TVET Agency, a programme that accompanies our young people in their vocational training. The programme takes into account the needs and strengths of former street children and is based on the Swiss dual education system.

Young adults, who decide to take up a trade after nine years of primary school, often complete an apprenticeship with a "skilled" person, which lasts on average three years. This time is not clearly structured. It consists of observing the "master", or supervisor, and replicating what he or she demonstrates. There is no complementary vocational school.

Apprentices are often overwhelmed by this new situation. They have no direct contact person in the workplace to accompany and support them in this important phase. They often drift through the apprenticeship, in many instances losing the will to persevere. Conflicts arise with the supervisor. When problems pile up, the obvious reflex is to withdraw: stay away, drop out of the apprenticeship. Once again, street life "beckons" - a portal to a dead-end situation. This is exactly where the new programme comes in.

Our new concept combines 80 per cent practical skills in the companies and 20 per cent theory with general knowledge, including coaching in self and social confidence particularly ethical values and sense of responsibility. Each apprentice works with the "master" three weeks per month, on the  fourth week the apprentice is with us for a week of schooling and coaching.

Pilot phase 2021 / 2022

At present, we accompany nine young people in the construction, catering, personal care and fashion sectors. There should be twenty by mid-2022. The programme opened on 7 May 2021. The first training week with apprentices took place from 31 May to 4 June.

At the same time, we offer teacher-training workshops for their practicum masters. These "apprenticeship masters" must be inspiring role models, know how to give constructive feedback, how to reflect on achievements with the young trainees and how to set goals together with the learners. This is unfamiliar territory for many young apprentices, but it strengthens them and allows them to lead a self-directed life.

Text: Daniela Rüdisüli Sodjah, Founder and Executive Director of CFC

 

 

 

Apprentices / Picture CFC