A non-governmental organisation, Lady Margaret Foundation, has rolled out its “Tech Accelerate 2026 programme” to equip young people with practical, digital and creative skills to improve their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
The three-day fully funded training held at the Stanbic Innovation Centre in Accra brought together 50 participants aged between 16 and 35 with an interest in technology, creativity and innovation.
Participants were taken through intensive, hands-on sessions in key areas, including web development, graphic design, artificial intelligence (AI) tools, videography, photography, client acquisition and corporate branding.
The sessions were structured to combine technical instruction with practical application, with participants guided to develop digital products, create content and position themselves for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Modern tools for content creation and digital marketing were introduced, while strategies for attracting and retaining clients were also explored.
Bridging skills gap
At the closing ceremony of the training, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Dr Margaret Opoku Agyeman, said the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between young people’s potential and their access to practical digital skills, mentorship and real career opportunities.
“Tech Accelerate 2026 seeks to address the gap between young people’s potential and their access to practical digital skills, mentorship and real career opportunities,” she explained.
She explained that the training areas were selected for their relevance and income-generating potential.
Dr Agyeman further said initiatives such as Tech Accelerate were critical in addressing youth unemployment.
Practical outcomes
Dr Agyeman said participants were expected to leave the training with improved confidence, practical knowledge and readiness for the job market.
“After the training, participants are expected to gain practical digital and creative skills, improved confidence, and better readiness for jobs, freelancing and entrepreneurship,” she said.
Opportunities
A Digital Media Manager at the foundation, Hadzila Mimi Jiagge, who facilitated sessions on videography and video editing, said the digital space offered vast opportunities for young people.
“If you have the skill of video editing, there’s so much you can explore.
You can work with companies, businesses and individuals who need content for their brands,” she said.
She indicated that even short-term training programmes could produce results if participants remained committed.
Change
A participant, Richard Amedome Johnson, said the training had changed his perspective about his career path, which was content creation.
“I didn’t have any knowledge about what I needed to start, but now I believe I can do it,” he said.
He said the training had exposed him to practical tools used in content creation.
“Currently, I know how to use certain apps and tools in editing videos and pictures, and they also taught us how to use AI to edit,” he said.
He expressed confidence in applying the skills acquired.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh