By Murtala Issah and Na-er Lucy Abeyizinai
The Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an International Non Governmental Organisation, has called on Ghanaian youth to embrace the emerging fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in order to create more opportunities and secure a prosperous future for themselves.
With the rapid advancement of technology, the demand for individuals with STEM-based skills has skyrocketed, both locally and globally. Recognising this trend, CRS is urging Ghanaian youth to harness their talents and interests in these fields, as they hold the key to unlocking numerous prospects and transforming their lives.
Speaking at an outreach programme held at the Northern Business Senior High School (NOBISCO), the Education to Employment Project Manager at CRS, Lilly Oseyda Jay, highlighted the importance of STEM education in driving socio-economic development in the 21st century. She emphasised that, while traditional sectors remain important, focusing on STEM-based skills will provide Ghana’s youth with a competitive edge in the constantly evolving job market.
“Young people of today are not ready to have these opportunities, so our advice for the young people that we are engaging is that they go out there and get more involved in STEM-related courses. Read science, technology, and mathematics so that you will be able to fit into these green skills and green jobs that will be created in some years to come,” she stressed.
The event was organised as part of activities marking International Youth Day. This year’s celebration focuses on green skills for youth towards a sustainable world. The theme for the celebration seeks to highlight the opportunities available in the sector. Ms Lilly Oseyda disclosed that more than eight million jobs are expected to be created for people with green skills. “These jobs are sustainable; they are not going to contribute to climate change,” she explained.
The event sparked enthusiasm among the students, as many expressed their eagerness to explore STEM-based careers. A third-year student of NOBISCO, Murtada Jemilatu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity offered by the programme.
“I have learnt a lot today. I have gotten to know that, besides nursing and teaching, there are many job opportunities there, which we are not going for. After SHS, I will venture into one of these courses that many young people are venturing into,” she declared.
Experts have continually stressed the importance of preparing the younger generation for a tech-driven future. Government has also recognised this need and has initiated policies prioritising STEM-based subjects.
By aligning efforts between organisations like CRS and initiatives, Ghana’s youth will be well-equipped to leverage the emerging opportunities in the STEM sectors.