Youth Bridge Foundation Ghana, a youth focused NGO working to equitably harness the potentials of the youth by equipping them with appropriate capacity, platforms and resources, has held its “EDUConnekt” seminar for tertiary students benefiting from Tullow Ghana opportunities.

It was under the theme: “Investing In Human Capital: The STEM Job Readiness Journey.”

At least, 400 STEM Bridge Club Ambassadors would be oriented and prepared for the transition to the world of work,  mentored on STEM careers and opportunities.

The beneficiary students would also learn the importance of Internships,  the value of soft skills, CV or Resume Writing, communication tools and introduction to Free Certified Online courses to enrich their preparations and transitions to the world of work.

Speaking at the seminar, the Social Performance Manager of Tullow Ghana Limited, Fiifi Enchill, said investing in human capital development was fundamental to turning the fortunes of every nation around.

He said a solid education and all-round moulding of the youth were imperative to enable the Ghanaian society to achieve growth and rapid socioeconomic development.

He said some 10 million dollars was being expended on STEM education and infrastructure under the 10-year maximization programme of the company, adding, “Six years ago, we began this journey to nurture the interest of the future generation of our country particularly girls in STEM.”

So far, some 6,000 students and 150 teachers have been equipped in the STEM area, he added.

Mrs. Catherine Biney, the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Director of Education,  noted that only with quality investment in people that real outcomes that affected society positively could be achieved.

That ensured every citizen has the opportunity to earn a fair income, live a healthy life, and contribute meaningfully to society…”I firmly believe that an educated, healthy, productive population is essential to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.”

The Education Director said training and building capacities in science, technologies, engineering, and mathematics are therefore more critical today than ever before, adding that Africa could not afford to be left behind in this fourth industrial revolution. 

Mr. Seth Oteng, the Executive Director of Youthbridge Foundation, said paying attention to the needs of the Ghanaian youth was important to make a change in the current socioeconomic situation of the country, and curb unemployment and violent extremist infiltration.

He stated that the global economy was changing with current jobs almost disappearing due to automation and new jobs emerging every day as a result of technological advancements.

Mr. Oteng said employers' demand for STEM qualifications and skills was high and would continue to increase in the future explaining that currently, 75 percent of jobs in the fastest-growing industries required workers with STEM skills.

The Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF) is an independent non-profit organization committed to youth development across the continent of Africa and the Diaspora.

It strives to achieve this purpose and mandate through cutting-edge and evidence based youth research, sustained advocacy, training and mentorship.

Headquartered in Ghana and accredited with the UN ECOSOC Special Consultative status since 2011, YBF is not a membership-based organization but works with a network of youth across the Continent. The Foundation currently has Country offices in Zambia and the USA.