The Fund had the World Bank pledging US$50 while Denmark committed US$10million and Germany committed 10 million euro to enhance technical and vocational education.
It is aimed at assisting various organisations and associations to develop the technical skills of their workers and members towards increasing job-creation.
The beneficiary institutions are Ghana Telecom University College; Sleek Garments Export Limited; Gratis Foundation; Dream Environment; Volta Regional Bee Keepers Association; Eastern Regional Grass-cutter Farmers Associatio;, Brong Ahafo Moringa Farmers Association; and Ejisu-Juaben Pig Farmers Association.
At a ceremonial signing of the grant with the beneficiary groups and COTVET in Accra, the Minister of Education, Mr. Lee Ocran, expressed gratitude for the contribution and support toward development of the country’s educational sector.
“The new education reform places emphasis on technical and vocational education and training alongside other disciplines such as: the promotion of ICT in education, curriculum development, teacher education, infrastructural development, French and Agriculture -- all with the view of giving employable skills to the graduates from the technical and vocational institutes.
“The establishment of the skills development fund by government is in the right direction and of great importance, because a nation which seeks to bring the people out of poverty is closely linked with the emphasis that is placed on technical and vocational education, and training and skills development,” he said.
Mr. Ocran revealed that negotiations have been completed with the African Development Bank to rehabilitate 10 technical schools, two Polytechnics and one training institute to be devoted to training of vocational and technical training teachers. The project is scheduled to take off early next year.
He said in 2010/11, the government sponsored 5,000 graduates from Junior High School -- who could not get access to Senior High School -- to undertake structured apprenticeships in garment making, electronics, cosmetology, and auto mechanics. The government paid for the cost of the training for the 12-month duration.
Dr. Dan Baffour-Awuah, Executive Director of COTVET, explained that the SDF is a challenged fund catering for the skills needs of the formal as well as the informal sector.
“The money will be made available for pre-employment as well as continuous skills upgrading initiatives respectively.
“The funds, when disbursed, will increase job-creation, productivity and competitiveness of enterprises; and also increase incomes and improve the livelihood of beneficiaries,” Dr. Baffour-Awuah remarked.
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