Overall, 200 applications were received, with 35 persons selected, of which 70 percent were women. The trainee participants had a choice of building capacity in photography and drone piloting, or in graphic design. Instruction was both in the classroom and practical field training.

In his opening remarks, Mr. David Tette, Senior National Programme Coordinator at the Ghanaian-German Centre noted that “the pandemic has deepened pre-existing inequalities, exposing vulnerabilities in social, political, and economic systems, which are in turn amplifying the impacts of the pandemic Women, children, and other vulnerable groupings including returned migrants, are the most affected group in this pandemic. Therefore, there is a need for some essential activities and interventions to contribute towards the scaling-down of extreme poverty, promoting development and resilience, and achieving the SDG 5 which states – “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”.

“It was against this background that the training programme was developed. We explored skill areas that had demand with high commercial potential. As we are increasingly moving towards digitalization, the skill areas of digital photography and drone piloting, and Graphic design came up as front runners. More so because, these were areas with few women and there was the opportunity to contribute to increasing female participation in what is seen as male dominated skill areas.” Mr. Tette stated that the Ghanaian-German Centre is looking to scale this programme to other regions across Ghana.

In a statement to the trainee participants, Mr. Rodney Amankwah, Lead Consultant for UMTS, trainers of the participants charged trainees to view their newly acquired skills seriously as the training received has prepared them for the job market, whether as a jobseeker or a start-up entrepreneur. He encouraged them to develop a positive mindset and be intentional with everything that they do, while building and managing relationships.

The trainee participants demonstrated acquired skills in photography, and graphic design through a catalogue exhibition, while the drone piloting skills were exhibited outdoors. They were very excited about acquiring new skills; for some, it was about gaining additional skills to what they already had, while for others, it was about upgrading their skills to the next level of professionalism.

“The training has accentuated my general knowledge in photography since I’m already pursuing it as a career. I have also learnt drone piloting skills, which is a plus for me in photography career. I look forward to developing this passion and making the best use of it” said Beverly Nkrumah, a trainee participant who opted for the photography and drone piloting specialization.

“The training was worth my time, and it’s really empowered me especially in storytelling. I look forward to use my acquired skills to tell the story of my community and create job opportunity for myself and others around me” said George A.M. Shackleford, another trainee participant.

Please contact Mina Kwansima Okuru, Communications Manager on +233 (0) 55 265 3907 for all your press enquiries or visit www.startfinder.de/ghana