School of Thoughts Ghana Empowers Upper West Students with AI, Leadership, and Market-Ready Skills
School of Thoughts Ghana has hosted an empowerment programme called 'Start Right' for students in the Upper West Region. The initiative focused on equipping young people with vital digital, communication, and practical skills. The goal is to prepare them for a changing global landscape. This goes beyond their traditional academic studies. The programme aims to bridge the gap between high school education and university readiness. It also focuses on essential life skills for future careers. Representatives from various universities attended the event. They explained university programmes and admission processes. This helped make higher education clearer for the students. Attendees also had one-on-one sessions. These provided personalised guidance for their academic paths.
Abraham Agoni founded School of Thoughts Ghana in 2019. He explained that the organisation’s mission is human capacity development and opportunity creation. This aims to improve education quality. Mr Agoni stated that gathering young people passionate about community service is important. The initiative has already reached over 3,000 students across Northern Ghana. School of Thoughts Ghana plans to expand its reach. Currently, it has an office in Accra and operates in Walewale. A new office is planned for the Upper West Region. Mr Agoni seeks support from corporate partners and volunteers. This will help the organisation reach all 16 regions of Ghana. The aim is to offer mentorship and educational opportunities to rural communities.
The programme operated under the theme "Reskilling the Future." Mentorship sessions addressed modern economic realities. Prophet Prakash Pyne, a consultant and leadership coach, spoke to students. He represented 12 secondary schools. He highlighted the necessary skills for a competitive world. Mr Pyne stressed the urgency of developing strong digital skills. He specifically mentioned Artificial Intelligence (AI). These abilities are not limited by location. Investments in AI are growing significantly in Asia, America, and the Middle East. Mr Pyne explained AI's power. He urged students to use technology to solve local market problems. Examples include agricultural logistics and transportation. He encouraged them to create their own opportunities.
Actor and comedian Clemento Suarez also participated. He used interactive demonstrations. These showed the difference between academic success and market skills. Mr Suarez visited Wa for the first time. He noted schools reward rote learning. However, the professional world needs practical abilities. He stated that specific academic terms are not used in offices. Yet, failing exams prevents many from finding work. Mr Suarez encouraged students to master at least one practical skill. He called digital competency a "must-have" for this generation. He also warned against using social media for insults. He believes it amplifies societal negativity. Instead, he encouraged using platforms like TikTok. Students can showcase Upper West culture and stories. This includes local arts, basket weaving, and the Wa market. He cited Wiyaala and Wode Maya as examples. Their digital success shows how platforms open doors to large audiences.
Beyond academic support, School of Thoughts Ghana focused on practical skills. Students participated in breakout groups. Mentors guided them in areas like leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. These sessions are crucial for economic participation. They aim to foster a generation of adaptable and skilled young Ghanaians. The organisation's efforts highlight the growing importance of digital literacy. This is especially true for regions like the Upper West. Such initiatives can directly impact local economies. They create pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.