Accra: The Springboard Road Show Foundation, through its flagship Ghana Grows Programme, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with nine Youth-Led Organisations (YLOs) in Accra. This agreement is aimed at expanding the reach of practical skills training, entrepreneurship support, and mentoring for young women and persons with disabilities in Ghana under the Empower360 initiative.
According to Ghana News Agency, the YLOs involved in this partnership include QET Organic Farms, Ahofade Shoes, Marvin D'autey Tet'd Handmade Shoes, and Habarata Textiles, among others. These enterprises will act as technical training providers and peer mentors, delivering expertise in sectors like agriculture, shoemaking, makeup artistry, and textile design.
Mrs. Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, emphasized the importance of this partnership in empowering young people to shape the future of work in Ghana. By investing in youth-led organisations, the foundation aims to build grassroots capacity and ensure sustainable solutions.
As part of the agreement, the Springboard Road Show Foundation will cover the full cost of training sessions and starter packs for all Empower360 participants. Furthermore, each YLO will conduct hands-on technical training using approved modules and offer six months of mentoring and business development support.
The YLOs will also receive funding and guidance to expand their operations. Madam Justine Mauda Afia Aniaku, founder of JustMode, expressed gratitude to Mastercard Foundation and Springboard Road Show Foundation, highlighting the partnership's role in transforming lives and futures.
This MoU follows the successful implementation of Empower360 Pilot 3, which trained 30 young women in tie and dye, shoemaking, organic fertiliser production, and food processing. Previous pilots focused on various sectors including mushroom farming and soap making.
Through this agreement, YLOs will not only empower others but also enhance their own skills in project management and youth development. Empower360 is part of the broader Ghana Grows Program, a Mastercard Foundation initiative that collaborates with Springboard Road Show Foundation and other organisations. The program is operational in 48 districts across Ghana, focusing on inspiring young people, especially women and persons with disabilities, to engage in agriculture, agribusiness, and vocational sectors.
