Skill Building Opportunities for Young People in Rural Ghana

“Young people in my community are hardworking,” Jerry said, “but we lack opportunities. Instead of relying solely on farming to earn a living, we wish there were more opportunities to learn a different trade.”

Jerry, 24, is from a rural community in the Northern Region of Ghana. Along with 15 other young people from his village, Jerry participated in the Northern Ghana Climate Resilience program, launched in partnership between Episcopal Relief & Development and the Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organization. At the time, like many of his friends, Jerry was not in school or a training program. 

“I dropped out of school in grade 4 after my father asked me to stay home and help with farming,” he explained. “Being the first son, the duty fell on me.”

Over the years, Jerry observed the challenges faced by his father and other farmers in the community: unpredictable and unreliable weather patterns, increasingly extreme weather events and rising costs for seeds and fertilizer. In addition, he saw that the high cost associated with transporting and repairing essential farm equipment is a heavy burden on farmers like his father.   

“The few threshing machines in this community frequently break down because of heavy usage,” he explained. “Agricultural equipment like the thresher has to be taken out of the community to be maintained, making it more expensive to operate.”

From a young age, Jerry wanted to ease the burden of hardworking farmers. His dream has been to learn the skills and gain the hands-on experience needed to fabricate and repair agricultural tools and equipment locally. 

Jerry worked towards achieving this goal by participating in a welding course through the Northern Ghana Climate Resilience program which includes youth entrepreneurship and skill training. 

Program staff supported Jerry to identify an experienced “master welder” in the area willing to take him as an apprentice. Moreover, the program covered Jerry’s training fees and equipped him with welding goggles, grinders, files, gloves and other items needed to pursue his dream.

Currently, as a welding apprentice, Jerry is developing the skills and experience needed to fabricate and repair large farm equipment by first learning to mend charcoal stoves, motorbike stands and small tractor parts. 

“Soon, I will be able to support my community by eliminating the need to transport equipment to nearby towns for servicing,” Jerry said. “I can reduce the hardship for farmers as well as make money to support my family.”

Jerry believes the skills he’s learning, practicing and perfecting will not only empower him, but also uplift the entire community–especially other young people. After he completes his apprenticeship, Jerry’s new goal is to open his own welding workshop in the community where he can not only practice his trade, but also pass along skills and knowledge to his peers.  

“Many young boys and girls in the community are eager to learn this valuable skill,” Jerry explained. “With the right skills and support, young people like me can change our societies and become catalysts for positive change. That’s a dream come true.” 

Learn more about how we support communities in building their Climate Resilience.