Ghanaian-European Centre closes sprinter project …85 individuals equipped with vocational skills

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Some of the beneficiaries of the programmeamples

The Ghanaian-European Centre for Jobs, Migration, and Development (GEC) has successfully concluded its transformative Sprinter Project with a handover ceremony for beneficiaries.

The closing event marked the close of the short-term skills training initiative, which empowered 85 young Ghanaians with practical vocational skills in pastry making, fashion upscaling, and organic cosmetic production.

In 14 days of intensive training across 3 locations in the Eastern, Volta and the Greater Accra Regions, beneficiaries acquired

hands-on knowledge and received comprehensive start-up kits to immediately launch their entrepreneurial ventures.

The project prioritised returned migrants, persons in vulnerable situations, including single mothers and persons living with disabilities, creating a pathway for them to gain self-employment and financial independence.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Andreas Berding, Head of the Ghanaian-European Centre, said, “This is not just the end of a training programme, it’s the beginning of countless success stories.”

“We are proud of every beneficiary who has embraced this opportunity to learn, grow, and become a driving force in their communities. With their skills and start-up tools in hand, we are confident they will build sustainable livelihoods and help reduce the pressures that lead to irregular migration,” he said.

Since its inception 2021, the GEC’s technical vocational education and training (TVET) programme has supported over 1,000 beneficiaries in Ghana’s key migration hotspots – Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.

Sprinter’s unique model, which condensed training into a 14-day format with rapid distribution of start-up kits, has proven particularly effective for returned migrants and persons unable to participate in long-term training.

By targeting young people between the ages of 18 and 35, the Sprinter Project aimed to foster inclusive economic development and create meaningful employment opportunities. With a short window between training and business start-up, the project sought to fast-track the journey to self-reliance, making it a beacon of hope for Ghanaian youth seeking for a brighter future.

Naa Koshie Lamptey, one of the project beneficiaries, shared her journey: “This experience has been life-changing. As a single mother, I needed a programme that fit into my schedule and gave me practical results quickly. Today, I’m walking away with the tools and skills to start my own pastry business. I’m ready to provide for my family and even train others.”

The ceremony featured exhibitions of the products created by beneficiaries during the training and success stories from participants who have already secured market opportunities.

BY TIMES REPORTER