SKILLS4GROWTH

Short Description

Skills4Growth is an education and vocational training project led by Uccelli Ghana. It provides people with limited access to education and employment with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and long-term opportunities.

During the initial pilot phase, training programmes will be offered in dreadlock styling, wig making, sewing and tailoring, and sustainable soap production.

The current fundraising target for the pilot phase is CHF 7,000.

How the Project Began

During a visit to Ghana in February 2024, Ato met Richard Ocansey. Their collaboration led to the establishment of Uccelli Ghana, the first international country organisation of the Uccelli Society.

Under the local leadership of Richard Ocansey, David Kumador and Eric Lamptey, Uccelli Ghana develops projects that respond to specific social and economic challenges within local communities.

The focus lies on practical vocational training, personal guidance and cooperation with local partners. Uccelli Ghana works in coordination with the Uccelli Society in Switzerland, with transparency, accountability and responsible use of resources forming the foundation of the collaboration.

Our Mission

Skills4Growth supports people in acquiring professional skills, creating their own income opportunities and shaping their future independently.

The project combines practical vocational training, entrepreneurial knowledge, personal mentoring, local partnerships and support when entering employment or self-employment.

The aim is to reduce barriers to education and employment and create sustainable professional opportunities.

Our Vision

We want to contribute to a society in which a person's background or financial circumstances do not determine whether they have access to education, work and personal development.

Skills4Growth promotes independence, cooperation and sustainable community development. Participants should not only learn a practical trade, but also gain the knowledge and confidence required to use their skills economically and pass their knowledge on to others.

In the long term, the project aims to create strong local networks and new professional opportunities in Ghana.

The Training Programmes

The programmes are based on the needs of local communities and focus on activities that can provide realistic and sustainable income opportunities.

Dreadlock Styling

Participants learn professional techniques for creating, maintaining and styling dreadlocks.

The training prepares them to work in an existing salon, offer services independently or establish their own business.

Wig Making

Participants learn how to produce, customise and maintain high-quality wigs.

Alongside practical production skills, the programme covers customer consultation, pricing and marketing. It creates opportunities for employment and for starting a small independent business.

Sewing and Tailoring

The sewing and tailoring programme provides fundamental and advanced skills in garment production.

Participants learn to create clothing, carry out alterations and complete customer orders independently. The goal is to prepare them for work in fashion, tailoring or clothing production, or to support them in opening their own tailoring business.

Soap Production

Participants learn how to produce sustainable soap, handle materials safely and prepare products for sale.

In addition to production techniques, the programme covers product design, cost calculation, pricing and marketing. This creates a direct pathway towards entrepreneurship and independent income generation.

How the Training Works

Each programme follows a structured learning pathway:

• Introduction to the relevant professional field

• Fundamentals of tools, materials and safety

• Practical exercises with professional guidance

• Development of advanced techniques

• Basic knowledge of costs, pricing and customer service

• Preparation for employment or self-employment

Alongside practical skills, participants receive basic knowledge in financial management, entrepreneurship and the marketing of their services or products.

Mentoring and personal guidance help participants apply what they have learned after completing the programme.

Target Group

Skills4Growth is intended for people who have limited access to education and employment because of their social or economic circumstances.

The project particularly supports people who:

• Are looking for practical vocational training

• Have limited financial resources

• Want to establish an independent source of income

• Require support when entering the labour market

• Want to develop their professional skills

• Would like to pass their knowledge on within their community

Goals of the Pilot Phase

During the first phase of the project, we aim to:

• Conduct the first local training programmes

• Purchase appropriate tools and materials

• Involve local trainers and mentors

• Support participants during and after the training

• Gather experience and improve the programmes

• Establish a basis for long-term financing

• Build sustainable partnerships

The current fundraising target for the pilot phase is CHF 7,000. The funds will primarily be used for training materials, tools, local implementation costs and participant support.

Local Cooperation

Loc of Glory, led by Richard Ocansey, supports the programme particularly in the field of dreadlock styling. The company provides practical training opportunities and may support graduates as they enter employment.

Uccelli Switzerland provides strategic guidance and supports the project in financing, communication, organisation and quality assurance.

La-Adjeman Parliament, led by Eric Lamptey, supports community-based activities, the identification of potential participants and mentoring.

Uccelli Ghana also aims to cooperate with local authorities and community representatives in the La and Ashaiman regions.

Why Support Skills4Growth?

Supporting Skills4Growth does more than finance a single training course. It enables people to develop practical abilities that can help them generate income and shape their future independently.

A donation helps to:

• Provide training places

• Purchase tools and materials

• Support local trainers

• Provide mentoring and personal guidance

• Implement the pilot phase professionally

• Reach additional participants

• Build long-term structures

Creating Opportunities Together

Skills4Growth combines practical training, local knowledge and long-term support.

Together with Uccelli Ghana and our partner organisations, we want to help people discover, develop and use their abilities professionally.

Organisations, companies, funding partners and private individuals are invited to support the pilot phase and help create sustainable professional opportunities.