Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) in collaboration with CAMFED, on Friday, 18th November, 2022, graduated 91 females under the Young Africa Works Program. It was the third cohort of the BTU – CAMFED collaboration to train young women with entrepreneurial skills in men dominated fields. The 91 young women received intensive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Agro-Chemicals, Bricklaying and Tiling, Computer Hardware and Networking, Electricals, Graphic Design, Photography, Welding and Fabrication.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Pro Vice Chancellor. Prof. Peter Osei Boamah noted that BTU’s collaboration with CAMFED has been experiential and productive as most of the females initially came to the University unable to hold a spanner but can now fix problems in their chosen fields. He expressed appreciation to CAMFED for the collaboration and helping to find jobs for the teeming young women of the region. He urged the ladies to take advantage of the training offered them and to continue to upgrade themselves by applying to study with Bolgatanga Technical University in their chosen fields in order to further develop themselves and their communities.
The Program Manager of CAMFED, Mr. Christian Zico, in a speech, told the gathering that the CAMFED – BTU Collaboration is in line with promoting increased participation of females in the TVET sector and fulfilling national and international education goals particularly Goal 4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. He urged the ladies to apply the knowledge and skills learnt to prosper themselves and their communities.
The Coordinator of the Technology Transfer and Marketing Centre of BTU, Dr. Callistus Tengan advised the ladies to take serious their chosen fields and not to relent in achieving their aspirations. He joined the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Osei Boamah in urging the ladies to consider upgrading themselves by studying with BTU. He told the ladies to put to efficient use when they eventually receive their start-up kits in order to enable them set up their trades/businesses and to sustain them.
The ladies, in a brief song, expressed appreciation to CAMFED and BTU for the sponsorship and training respectively.
In attendance to the ceremony were some key Management Staff of the University and CAMFED, facilitators, media persons and the graduands.