By Alex Boye
The Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has officially launched the “Ursula Foundation” to assist the needy and foster development in her constituency and beyond.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) would serve the Ghanaian society irrespective of the individuals’ political affiliations.
The official launch of the foundation was attended by traditional leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers, community members as well as diplomats
The foundation further aims to support entrepreneurship and education, offering assistance to young people looking to start their own businesses and providing scholarships, training, and mentorship to students.
The foundation is expected to provide beneficiaries with a wide range of skills and knowledge, covering both core and elective academic subjects. At the core of the programme are subjects such as Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Career Development, Information Technology and Digital Skills (including coding), Creative Arts and Media, Financial Literacy and Business Management, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Internship and Practical Experience, and Career Counselling and Guidance.
The subjects have been designed to provide beneficiaries with a solid foundation in entrepreneurship, technology, creativity, finance, and communication. In addition to the core subjects, the programme offers a range of elective courses that cater to diverse interests and talents.
These electives include Backyard Gardening and Agribusiness, Health care and Well-being, Hospitality and Tourism, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, Construction and Infrastructure, Key Cutting and Blacksmithing, Textiles and Garment Production (Fashion Design), Auto Mechanics, Plumbing, Carpentry, and Electrical Work, Social Services, Catering and Food Production, Fascinator and Hat Making, Bead Making and Leather Works, Soap Making and Cosmetics Production, and CCTV Satellite Installation.
“In this foundation, we will support you to be your own boss, run your own business, and hire your own staff to make a difference in your life,” the minister said at the launch.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said the foundation had partnered other institutions, including the New Century Vocational Training Institute and the Ghana Code Club, to achieve the set objectives.
She appealed to other organizations and individuals to partner the foundation to expand its work beyond Ablekuma West to the entire country.
For her part, he founder of the Ghana Code Club, Ernestina Appiah, said her outfit collaborated with the Ursula Foundation to establish a coding and robotics club in Dansoman communities.
She stated that the initiative would provide access to cutting-edge tools and resources, empowering children and young adults to develop essential skills in engineering and technology.
“By offering programmes focused on building, designing, and coding, this partnership aims to inspire the next generation of tech talent and provide a foundation for future careers,” she said.