About
VTF Programme

The VTF Programme is a Christian-based NGO providing support services to enhance the delivery of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana and skills development in general. We believe that TVET prepares the individual for life and gives them an orientation for good citizenship in as much as it creates avenues for employment and wealth creation. Employment plays an important role in enhancing livelihoods, improving quality of life and gradually reducing poverty. However, employment does not happen by chance it requires some persistent efforts to boost employment of the youth by progressively creating a bridge between training and industry for successful transition of graduates into the world of work.

VTF Programme has evolved since 1992 as a Learning Organization implementing various projects and activities on all levels, macro, meso and micro to create opportunities for young people to better their lives through a well-structured TVET system that responds to the employment needs of the nation.. The Programme has ties with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and the Protestant Development Services (EED) now Bread for the World (BftW).

Background

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and her partner the Church Development Services (EED) in Germany set-up the Vocational Training for Females’ (VTF) Programme to research into the situation and find out why young people, especially women complete vocational training but were still unemployed. It is noted that the first trade school in Ghana was established by the Basel Missionaries (Presbyterian) and by then had also established a number of vocational training centres in the country.

Therefore in 1992, the VTF Programme commissioned a study on the Situation of Church-based vocational and technical training in Ghana as a result of the increasing rate of unemployment among the youth. The study revealed some challenges in the then vocational training system as follow:

  • Lack of Entrepreneurial training (even though trade skills were being taught, the skills to enable one transfer the trade into business was lacking).
  • Outdated Curriculum (the curriculum being used in the schools were over 20 years and had not seen any review meanwhile market demands kept on changing)

  • Low level of instructor competency (most instructors had not received the appropriate qualification to teach and did not have the skills to impact. Others were products of the same quality instructors who have come back to teach in the schools)
  • Lack of Guidance and Counselling (young people who came into the schools were not given adequate information on the choices and options available and the career chances in view. Their emotional and psychological issues were also not addressed.)
  • Inadequate linkage with industry (vocational training must end in industry meanwhile, trainees did not have much interaction with industry and so the training was theoretical which did not make the graduates employable)
  • Poor infrastructure (Buildings used for vocational schools were not in the best state of art, it affected most trainees and the image of vocational training in general)
  • Low literacy and numeracy level of trainees (subjects like English and Maths were optional. This accounted for low level of literacy and numeracy amongst graduates thereby affecting their confidence and self´- esteem).
  • Weak Management Structures (management and administrative procedures and staffing were not in the best of state. Management principles were not well practiced and therefore affected delivery of TVET)
  • Inadequate teaching and learning material (there is not enough textbooks for trainers and instructors also did not have materials for teaching)
  • Above all there was lack of comprehensive framework for vocational and technical education.

VTF About Image

All these and many other problems led to poor delivery of TVET affecting the perception and image of TVET in the country leading to poor labour market outcomes.

The problems were multifaceted in nature and to address these issues VTF worked on all three levels of development praxis to provide some solutions to the problem by strengthening the capacity of individuals for holistic and sustainable livelihood, strengthening institutional capacity for effective delivery, and advocating a comprehensive management of TVET by consolidating good practices into national structures. The details of our activities could be known by carefully navigating through every menu on the website.

Thank you.

MISSION

Promoting viable employment opportunities through quality TVET support services to individuals, groups and institutions via advocacy, networking and capacity building

VISION

A leading TVET support services provider for sustainable livelihoods

CORE VALUES

As a leaning organisation we are bonded by the following time-tested values

  • Honesty
  • Humility
  • Respect for people and nature
  • Openness
  • Teamwork
  • Fairness
  • Hardwork