Dr. David Oh, the Country Director of the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) in Ghana, has called for a stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support entrepreneurship and vocational training for young people. He emphasized the importance of equipping the youth with hands-on skills to secure their future and urged the government to play a key role in expanding IYF’s training initiatives.
“We are committed to empowering the youth through skills training, but we need the government’s support to scale up our efforts,” Dr. Oh stated.
IYF has already made significant strides in youth training and skills development. The organization successfully operates a hand skills training school in Kenya, where approximately 5,000 students graduate every semester. This model has proven to be highly effective, equipping young people with employable skills and enabling them to start their own businesses. Inspired by this success, IYF now seeks to establish a similar school in Ghana to provide free training across various fields, including decor, catering, information and communication technology (ICT), French, Korean language, and fashion.
“Our goal is to give young people the tools they need to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to society. Many young individuals in Ghana have great potential but lack the opportunities to develop their skills,” Dr. Oh explained.
The Challenges and Need for Government Support
Despite the positive impact of IYF’s initiatives, challenges remain. When the program was first introduced in Ghana, it started with 300 students. However, due to financial and logistical constraints, not all of them could complete the training. Nevertheless, the organization takes pride in the fact that 100 students successfully graduated, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
To expand its reach and fulfill its vision of training 5,000 students every semester in Ghana, IYF is actively seeking government support. The organization is in need of land to construct a dedicated training facility that will serve as a hub for skills development.
“The funders are ready to build the structure, but we need the government’s assistance in securing land,” Dr. Oh stated. “With the right support, we can provide free training to thousands of young Ghanaians who might otherwise lack access to such opportunities.”
He further highlighted that beyond land acquisition, government backing in the form of policy support, funding, and infrastructure development would significantly accelerate the impact of their programs.
A Milestone Achievement: The IYF Academy Training Graduation Ceremony
On February 23, 2025, the IYF Academy Training Graduation Ceremony was held at Asofan, Accra, marking the successful completion of a transformative three-month training program. This event was a major milestone for both the organization and the students, as it celebrated the achievements of the graduates who had worked hard to develop their skills.
The program covered a diverse range of disciplines, including the production of household chemicals, ICT, floral decorating, pastries, and language studies in Korean and French. These skills not only enhance the employability of the participants but also provide them with the knowledge to start their own businesses.
One of the program’s instructors emphasized that the training was about more than just technical skills. “This training is not just about learning skills. It is about shaping a new mindset and providing the youth with the confidence to build their future,” the instructor said.
Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindsets and Personal Growth
In addition to technical training, IYF places a strong emphasis on developing a positive mindset and fostering personal growth. Many young people struggle with self-doubt and lack the motivation to pursue their dreams. IYF’s training programs are designed to instill confidence, resilience, and a spirit of entrepreneurship in its students.
“We don’t just train them; we support them beyond the classroom. Some of our graduates have already received assistance to start their own businesses,” Dr. Oh added.
For instance, some graduates who specialized in catering and pastries have gone on to establish small businesses, supplying baked goods to local communities. Others who studied ICT have secured jobs in technology-related fields, while those who trained in floral decorating have started event-planning ventures.
The impact of IYF’s training extends beyond the individual graduates, influencing their families, peers, and the broader community. Many of the program’s beneficiaries have become role models for other young people, demonstrating that skills training can lead to sustainable employment and financial independence.
Building a Sustainable Future
Dr. Oh believes that investing in vocational training is one of the most effective ways to tackle youth unemployment and drive national development. “With the right support, we can empower thousands more and create real change in our society,” he said.
He urged the government to recognize the role that skills development plays in economic growth and to create policies that encourage partnerships between organizations like IYF, private companies, and educational institutions. By working together, these stakeholders can create an ecosystem that supports young entrepreneurs and provides them with the resources they need to succeed.
In the long run, IYF envisions expanding its training programs to multiple regions across Ghana, ensuring that young people from different backgrounds have equal access to quality vocational education. The organization also plans to introduce mentorship programs where experienced professionals can guide students in their career paths.
A Call to Action
The success of IYF’s initiatives in Kenya and Ghana proves that skills training is a powerful tool for social and economic transformation. However, to achieve its full potential, the organization requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
Dr. Oh reaffirmed IYF’s commitment to youth development and called on government agencies, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to support their cause. “The youth are the future of this country. If we invest in their skills and talents today, we are securing a better tomorrow for everyone,” he concluded.
As Ghana continues to tackle youth unemployment, initiatives like IYF’s training programs provide a practical solution to equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in a competitive world. With the right support, IYF can scale up its efforts and create even greater opportunities for the next generation.
