Library’s training builds young leaders

‘I am now computer literate through this organization. I can write a report and have learned self and time management through the leadership training.’ – Musa Sherifatu, student.

Northern Regional Library combined leadership training and information and communication skills to give young people in Tamale and surrounding villages a better chance in life.

In just one year, the library created and equipped a training centre. They trained 190 young people to use computers and the Internet. The course included leadership and life skills, including integrity, motivation, communication and respect.  Unemployment and school drop-out rates are high in Northern Ghana, and young people struggle with lack of self confidence.

Librarians reported that through the training, library use has increased by 54%, from 575 users a week before the course started to 884 a week after a year. They noted that more students were reading books and that students’ time management skills improved significantly.

‘The library is the place where knowledge is, a place where in-depth ICT knowledge can be obtained,’ said one student, Abass Amadu.

To the surprise of the library, parents were so impressed that they also attended the leadership training: ‘I wish IATP could organize a capacity building programme for us in the future,’ said a parent.

The training programme’s future is secure. Librarians are committed to continuing with the training, and the Ghana Library Board has included a contribution to IATP in its budget.