In February 2024, a US-based sports charity, Soccer for Dreamers, will launch its Ubuntu Online Academy pilot program which is aimed at equipping young footballers in the country.
Players from the Women’s Premier and Division One leagues, as well as male juvenile players, third and second divisions, Division One players, and others, are set to be the initial beneficiaries.
The program will provide tools and skill sets for employment or entrepreneurship to bridge the gap between employers and footballers and assist footballers with the essentials required to thrive well in the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and the job market.
Speaking after a round table discussion organized on Tuesday to seek the opinions of business owners, CEOs of corporate organizations, and NGOs, among others, on hiring in the current environment and how Ubuntu can bridge the gap, Madam Sylvia Akwaboah, President of the Foundation, expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far. She said,
“Since the launch, we have had various engagements with key stakeholders, and today is the turn of the business owners and the key persons with the authority to employ. Their inputs will come in handy to help shape the Academy concerning recruitment.”
“The problem of youth unemployment has reached a crisis stage, with millions of young individuals worldwide struggling to secure stable employment due to insufficient knowledge of what employers are looking for.”
She also said that the academy will be opened to accommodate the youth from other sectors in Ghana and across Africa, reaching at least 20,000 youth by the end of next year.
The Foundation is currently recruiting and training 200 young volunteers to spread the message of the Academy to the youth.
