Curious Minds Ghana (CMG) has partnered with UNICEF Ghana and other development partners to launch a youth empowerment project in the Assin South District of the Central Region. The project, "Empowering Young People Against Child Labour Through Civic Engagement and Skills Development," aims to equip young people with relevant skills and improve their access to learning, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. This initiative targets young people between 15 and 35 years old.
A key component of the project is the Youth Agency Marketplace, a digital platform connecting young people to online courses, mentorship opportunities, volunteer programs, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities. This platform encourages young people to acquire marketable skills, participate in community development activities, and take advantage of opportunities that can enhance their livelihoods. The project is being implemented in four districts across the country.
The beneficiary districts are Assin South in the Central Region, Ayensuano in the Eastern region, Asunafo North in the Ahafo region, and Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai in the Western North region. The project is part of the Child Labour Multisectoral and Multistakeholder Public-Private Partnership initiative. This initiative seeks to create sustainable pathways for young people to access education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
According to Mr. Samuel Quaye, Programmes Manager of Curious Minds Ghana, empowering young people with relevant skills and opportunities is critical to addressing some of the underlying vulnerabilities associated with child labour. He explained that the project aims to reduce the economic pressures that often contribute to child labour. The project will provide young people with the skills and opportunities needed to improve their livelihoods.
Mr. Jonathan Birikorang, District Chief Executive for Assin South, identified economic hardship, limited access to education and skills training, and inadequate livelihood opportunities as major factors contributing to child labour. He assured stakeholders that the District Assembly is ready to collaborate with Curious Minds Ghana, UNICEF, and other partners to intensify efforts aimed at combating child labour in the district.
The programme is expected to empower young people, strengthen community participation, and contribute to efforts to eliminate child labour while promoting sustainable development. The District Assembly's collaboration with Curious Minds Ghana and other partners is crucial to the project's success. The project will also provide opportunities for young people to participate in community development activities.
The project is a step towards addressing child labour in Ghana, and its impact is expected to be felt in the long term. The initiative has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the beneficiary districts. By providing young people with skills and opportunities, the project can help break the cycle of child labour.
Key points
- Curious Minds Ghana launches youth empowerment project to address child labour
- The project targets young people between 15 and 35 years old
- The initiative seeks to create sustainable pathways for young people to access education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities
