The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) has launched the Diaspora African Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAFYETC) in Accra, Ghana.
The center, which opened on May 3, 2023, saw the dignitaries of H.E Dr. Erieka Bennett, the Founder & Head of Mission of DAF, the Municipal Chief Executive of La Dade Kotopon, Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, and the Minister for Communications & Digitalization, Hon. Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, in attendance as guests of honor.
DAFYETC aimed at promoting skills training and development, particularly in the field of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), among the youth of Ghana.
DAF’s main objective is to support the African Union and empower women and youth in communities. To achieve this, DAF has established a digital call center that will provide training in call center operations and job creation for certified trainees. Mr. Kevin Williams and Mr. Mahar Cooke will lead the center as Executive Director and Deputy Director, respectively. Participants in the program will have access to a safe and technologically advanced workspace, with computer access, reliable internet service, educational materials, and participant stipends.
The Executive Director of DAF Youth Empowerment and Training Center, Mr. Kevin Williams said the program seeks to equip young people with the necessary skills and confidence to experience professional and personal success.
“The program will focus on workforce development training and education courses such as ICT, professionalism, effective communication, customer service, and workplace ethics. Additionally, the program will provide mentorship opportunities and professional coaching, create and increase job placement opportunities through digital call centers, and engage in corporate partnership building”.
Participants in the program will have access to a safe and technologically advanced workspace, with computer access, reliable internet service, educational materials, and participant stipends.
The DAF hopes to create unique opportunities for both the young people who enroll in this program and the businesses, governmental agencies, and other organizations that choose to partner with them.
The program will not only provide valuable, transferable skills to aid participants in obtaining gainful employment, but it will also create jobs for them to transition into upon receipt of an official DAF certification.
The Minister for Communications & Digitalization expressed her sincere appreciation to DAF for initiating such a great project which would eliminate unemployment and bridge the digital gap among the youth, especially women.
“I am delighted for this initiative taken by the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) to establish the Diaspora African Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAFYETC) which will bridge the digital gap among the youth, particularly the female child, and eliminate unemployment
“Government alone cannot solve this problem and I was pleased to see that some of those who were being trained were young women”.
She highlighted the need to demystify digital technology for them and encouraged them to realize that the only thing that limits them is themselves. She expressed her confidence that once the young people are exposed to this technology, they would quickly adapt to it.
The Minister also emphasized the potential benefits of the program for the participants, including creating a second stream of income for them, taking care of their families, and giving back to society. She congratulated the Ambassador and the DAF team for this initiative and assured them of the government’s utmost support now and in the future. She also pledged to provide the community I.C.T center at its disposal to aid the learning process.
The MCE-La Dade Kotopon; Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi stressed the importance of the training and how the municipality is set to support such an initiative.
‘I would therefore urge the youth in the region especially those within the La Dade Municipality to take advantage of the proximity and location to maximize the opportunities that abound in the Global Call industry’.
On the basis of trust. I wish to assure the Management and Staff of DAF and Training Center that, my office and the District Assembly will cooperate and collaborate with you in your operation to ensure that Center succeeds and translates its successes in the Local Economic Development of this Municipality, the region and for that matter Ghana in general.
We therefore wish to appeal for support from all stakeholders to enable the center to meet the financial and logistical commitment associated with training. He added.
Dr. Erieka Bennett, the Founder & Head of Mission of DAF, anticipates doing great things in Ghana and the African Union and calls on individuals and organizations to support this effort by contacting them directly through the phone number and email address provided. With Africa having the youngest population, the DAF aims to put them in a position to not only dream big but also achieve big.
Contact Information:
phone: +233 302 780 923
Email: Info@diasporaafricanforum.org
Loc: Accra, Ghana.
Find Pictures from the launch of DAFYETC below:
Edited By: Mahar Cooke
Pictures By: sky infinity