Over 300 students participate in TVET mentorship

• The students after the programme

Over 300 students, along with teachers and parents, from 10 basic and senior high schools in Takoradi, the Western Regional capital, on Friday participated in a programme that seeks to inspire young girls to pursue careers in traditionally-dominated fields.

The event, hosted at Fijai Senior High School, was on the theme: ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future.’ It was held in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

Karpowership Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Services organised the event.

The programme featured presentations from guest speakers, hands-on demonstrations by students studying TVET-related courses, and mentorship breakout sessions with professionals.

These sessions offered the students a unique opportunity to engage in one-on-one and small group discussions, providing valuable insights into the potential career paths available to them.

Addressing the participants, Sandra Amarquaye, Communications Manager at Karpowership Ghana, underscored the company’s commitment to supporting the initiatives that empower young girls.

She highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for girls to achieve their dreams, particularly in fields where they are underrepresented.

Ms Amarquaye called on all stakeholders; parents, teachers, and the community at large to support girls in overcoming barriers that limit their progress “To unlock the potential of girls and attain SDG Goal 5 – gender equality – we must dismantle the social, economic, and cultural barriers that obstruct their paths. I urge families, communities, and governments to prioritise the education and empowerment of girls.”

Josephine Christian Roman, Regional Girls Officer at the Ghana Education Service, expressed her gratitude to Karpowership Ghana for spearheading such an impactful initiative.

She appealed to parents to allow their children the freedom to explore fields of interest while guiding them in making informed choices.

Regional Director at the Department of Gender, Maribel Akuorkor Okine, highlighted the importance of supporting girls in their educational journeys, stating that, “empowering young women in TVET is crucial for achieving gender equality and fostering sustainable development.”

Madam Beatrice Forson, TVET Desk Officer, also emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education for girls and called for sustained support and encouragement, stating that such initiatives could empower girls to make career choices to shape their futures.

Several student participants also shared their excitement about the event, Maame Afua, a junior high school student, said, “This programme has really opened my eyes to new possibilities. I now see that I can pursue a career in engineering, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from the experts.”

Emmanuella Robert, another participant, added, “I’m inspired to take up TVET studies and believe that with more events like these, more girls will feel confident to pursue these fields.”

As part of Karpowership Ghana’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, which advocates for gender equality, the organisation has instituted programmes focused on empowering the girl child which has successfully mentored over 400 young women and committed to so more.