In a significant stride towards youth empowerment and economic development, the MasterCard Foundation, in collaboration with the Business Advisory Center of the Prestea Huni Valley Municipal Assembly, organized a one-day training session for masters and apprentices selected for the inaugural batch of the Business in a Box (BizBox) project. The event marked the beginning of a program aimed at equipping
young individuals with diverse apprenticeship skills and providing them with start-up kits upon completion.
The training session saw the participation of 592 individuals from the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, who were carefully chosen for the first phase of this ambitious project. The BizBox initiative not only focuses on the apprentices but also ensures that the masters receive stipends as part of the support system.
Gracing the occasion, the Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Isaac Dasmani, PhD, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of vocational education and dedication to one's craft. He acknowledged the role of formal education, such as the free Senior High School (SHS) program, in providing basic knowledge and skills. However, he pointed out that many individuals do not take their vocational training seriously.
Addressing the apprentices, the Chief Executive urged them to show respect and wholehearted service their masters. He highlighted the potential long-term benefits of such dedication, stating, “If you serve your master well, he can leave his work to you and will accept any money you give when he returns. There is no problem with serving others as it will not change anything from you. Value your work more as it will bring you more money”
He also shared words of wisdom, reminding the young trainees that their masters had undergone similar struggles to reach their current positions. “The young ones should learn from the elderly ones,” he advised, while also cautioning them against the allure of illegal mining money.
The Chief Executive stressed the importance of setting personal goals and planning for the future. He encouraged the masters to adopt strategic pricing to attract more customers and generate profit, adding, “If you plan well, you won't blame anyone, especially your mother, for your misfortunes.”
The BizBox project is set to be a transformative program for the youth of Prestea Huni Valley, providing them with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and the tools necessary to start their own businesses. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Government, MasterCard Foundation and the Prestea Huni Valley Municipal Assembly to fostering sustainable economic growth and self-reliance among the youth.
As the first batch of participants embarks on this journey, the community anticipates a positive ripple effect that will inspire more young individuals to take charge of their futures through vocational training and entrepreneurship.