Funded by the UNDP, the three-year project supported Ghana’s growth and development priority on human resource development for poverty reduction by increasing formal employment opportunities for young people and improving the support mechanisms necessary for entry into the job market.

This was achieved through the setting up of a Career Resource Centre from where YOTA connected talent to markets by facilitating networking and matchmaking between young people and employers, counselling, changing perceptions. At the Centre, we offered much-needed mentorship to youth start-ups by facilitating exchanges with experienced entrepreneurs and employees.

We curated networking platforms and co-working spaces for start-ups to foster collaboration and innovation. Based in Asylum Down in Accra, the Career Resource Centre provided guidance and job-search support to boost formal employment opportunities for youth. We facilitated access to job market information by leveraging organisational networks and youth perspectives. We helped to close information gaps on vocational training and apprenticeships for prospective job applicants through image campaigns and role modelling.

Our job placement assistance enabled 650+ youth to gain employment. Through this approach, we reintegrated NEETs (youth Not in Education, Employment or Training) into the labour market through customised training and placement support by promoting flexible working models to keep young mothers and youth with family constraints. Altogether, project interventions reached more than 5,000 youth aged 15 to 29, including more than 50% young women.