The Design and Technology Institute (DTI), in collaboration with the University of Cape Coast, has presented startup kits to 10 graduate students to support their skills development and entrepreneurial ventures.
The presentation formed part of DTI's efforts to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development among young graduates.
Providing background to the initiative, the Coordinator of the UCC Campus Programme, Prof. David Kofi Essumang, said the University of Cape Coast has collaborated with DTI to equip students with practical, employable skills alongside their academic training.
He noted that after a successful first year of the programme, beneficiaries had demonstrated the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills they acquired, which enabled them to earn startup kits to establish their own businesses.
Prof. David Kofi Essumang commended the partnership between DTI and UCC, describing the initiative as a significant step towards empowering graduates with the resources needed to transition from training to self-employment.
He encouraged students to take advantage of the programme, stressing that acquiring employable skills complements the academic knowledge gained at the university.
"To get an employable skill is an addition to the degree earned from the university," he said, noting that the initiative provides participants with training, startup kits, and certification.
Prof. Essumang also expressed gratitude to DTI for partnering with UCC and called on the university community to embrace and support the programme.
Delivering his address, the Project Officer for DTI, Senyo Kporha, congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to make effective use of the support to establish sustainable businesses to create employment opportunities for others.
"Your ideas pitched were the best. That is why you were selected, and we believe these items will help you start on your own," he said.
He explained that the startup kits were intended to equip beneficiaries with the essential tools required to begin their entrepreneurial journeys successfully.
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Sarah Darkwa, praised the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to continue giving their best while inspiring others to acquire practical skills.
Training facilitator, Dr. Christina Boateng, also congratulated the beneficiaries and advised them to remain focused, continue learning, and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
"The ideas you have shared have potential and are feasible. We hope you will not waste these resources and that you will become good examples of the project," she said.
The startup kits presented to beneficiaries were sewing machines, cooking equipment, computers, and ice chests, among others.
The startup kit presentation reflects DTI's continued commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and equipping young people with practical skills and resources to become successful business owners while contributing to Ghana's economic growth.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC
