TINKONG, E/R- Government has been urged to review and align the country’s educational system with skills acquisition to equip young people with practical knowledge and competencies needed to secure sustainable livelihoods.
The call was made by the Director of Live Now Foundation, Henry Dekyem at Tinkong in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region during a graduation ceremony for some women who had successfully completed a skills training programme in fashion design and hairdressing organised by the Live Now Foundation.
Speaking to the media, the Director stressed the need for a more practical and skills-oriented education system, noting that academic education alone may not be sufficient to prepare young people for the demands of the job market.
He said although formal education remains important, greater attention should be given to technical and vocational training to enable students to acquire employable skills and become economically independent.
According to him, linking education to skills acquisition would help reduce unemployment, promote entrepreneurship and empower young people to become self-reliant.
He further advocated the introduction of practical skills training at an early stage of education to enable students to identify their talents, develop their abilities and turn them into viable careers.
He explained that such an approach could also reduce the pressure on the government to provide jobs for all young people entering the labour market.
The Director also advised the newly trained women to take advantage of the skills they had acquired by starting small businesses rather than waiting for external assistance.
He urged them to maintain good relationships with their clients, stressing that a positive attitude, quality service and good customer relations were essential to attracting and retaining customers.
The Founder of the Live Now Foundation, Nana Kwadjo Nsiah I expressed his commitment to the development of the community through youth empowerment which is the key driver of community growth and progress.
