Empowering West Africa’s Youth through Work-Based Internships
In West Africa, the potential of its young graduates holds the essential key to driving economic growth and fostering social development. Unfortunately, many of these talented individuals encounter significant obstacles when it comes to securing employment upon completing their studies.
For instance, research conducted in 2017 by the Institute of Statistics, Social and Economic Research of the University of Ghana revealed that only ten percent of university graduates manage to find work within the first twelve months after graduation.
Siddarth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, emphasises this distressing reality, stating, “Far too many youths across Sub-Saharan Africa emerge from school without the fundamental skills to progress in their lives.”
It is important to seek ways to respond to the above-mentioned challenge. This can be done through the establishment of more work-based internships in institutions such that a greater proportion of graduates can be given the opportunity to work and acquire skills that will equip them for the job market.
A work-based internship is a structured and supervised programme that provides individuals, typically students or young professionals, with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a specific industry or field. It involves a temporary placement within an organisation where the intern can apply and enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies in a real work environment. It empowers young graduates and bridge the gap between education and the real world of work.
Navigating the job market in West Africa can be a daunting task for recent graduates. Limited job opportunities coupled with a lack of practical experience and desired skills often result in a disheartening search for employment. Despite their potential, many talented individuals find themselves facing closed doors to opportunities.
To respond to these systemic challenges, organisations and governments must invest in work-based internships that provide young graduates with valuable opportunities to learn and grow. These internships serve as a springboard towards gaining practical experience and developing the skills demanded by employers.
Participating in internships can help graduates bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining insights into real world work environments and industry-specific challenges. Also, internships nurture essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, making graduates more well-rounded and attractive to potential employers.
Forward-thinking organisations that invest in work-based internships reap numerous benefits. These organisations can shape the next generation of talent according to their specific needs and values, selecting interns and providing them with valuable training. Interns bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an eagerness to learn and contribute. Moreover, internships serve as a talent pipeline, allowing organisations to identify and groom potential employees, reducing recruitment costs and increasing employee retention. It is a win-win situation where companies gain access to enthusiastic, skilled individuals, while interns gain valuable experience and a foot in the door of their desired industry.
An exemplary initiative that highlights the significant impact of internships is the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP), spearheaded by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). .
This programme goes beyond providing internships. It offers a comprehensive package that includes mentorship, work-based learning experiences, and exposure to diverse individuals from various levels of society.
Through this programme, interns not only gain valuable insights into the work of civil society but also develop leadership skills and expand their professional networks. Such opportunities create a durable foundation for young graduates to become the catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Work-based internships such as WACSI’s NGIP, are a valuable tool for highlighting the potential of young graduates in West Africa and addressing their employment challenges. They offer these young graduates a platform to acquire the requisite skills needed to thrive in this ever-evolving world of work. In addition, organisations that invest in internships benefit from a pool of talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and a strong drive to succeed. Therefore, it would be beneficial for organisations in the region to establish work-based internship programmes to empower West Africa’s youth. Here are some recommendations to help get started:
- Collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, government agencies and development organisations to create a network for sourcing interns.
- Develop a structured programme with clear objectives and responsibilities for both interns and host organisations.
- Assign experienced professionals as mentors to guide and support interns throughout the programme.
- Offer skills development opportunities through training sessions and workshops.
- Organise networking events and industry forums to help interns expand their professional networks.
- Provide accessible funding or stipends to cover interns’ living expenses.
- Regularly evaluate the programme by gathering feedback from interns and host organisations.
- Engage alumni through mentorship and assistance with job placements.
- Continuously improve the programme based on industry trends and feedback from stakeholders.
These recommendations will help organisations create impactful internship programmes that empower West Africa’s youth and contribute to their personal and professional growth. WACSI’s NGIP continues to be an excellent example of a well-structured programme which demonstrates the value and impact of internships in shaping future leaders and creating a more prosperous and inclusive society.
About the author
Aisha Saliho Dukuray
Aisha is a budding feminist who is passionate about advocacy, women’s rights and issues relating to women empowerment.
