Design and Technology Institute holds second graduation ceremony

The Design and Technology Institute (DTI), Ghana’s first privately accredited TVET institution, has held its second graduation ceremony for learners who have successfully completed their programme.

DTI provides TVET education in a practical and hands-on approach to help learners sharpen their talents in a conducive environment, supervised by facilitators who are passionate about TVET and the youth.

A total of 77 learners successfully graduated from the one-year intensive training programme in Precision Fabrication and Precision Quality, comprising 59 males and 18 females.

Ms. Jemima Jackson, Acting Director of Institute at DTI, in her welcome address, congratulated the graduating learners for working hard throughout the programme.

She urged the learners to take stock of what they have achieved and make a conscious decision to let their experiences at DTI count in their future endeavours by changing the unemployment narrative.

“You've got to find what you love. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it,” she added.

The keynote speaker for the ceremony, Mrs. Linda Ampah, CEO of Cadling Fashions and KAD Manufacturing Limited, who was the keynote speaker, urged the graduating learners to set high standards for themselves and charged them to contribute their quota to building the nation.

“The world is waiting to see your creativity in action; your family needs you, your community needs you and our nation needs you. There is, therefore, the need to be agents of change; for your relevance to society will be measured by the problems you solve and the legacy you leave behind for future generations”, she added.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of DTI, Ms. Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, commended the management, faculty, staff, and learners of DTI for their commitment and hard work.

“We will work to remove barriers that restrict access and success in TVET studies, through excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship,” she stated.

She urged the graduands to make good use of the training they have received and use themselves as a reference of the TVET success story, especially their decision to learn a skill rather than seek white-collar jobs or travel abroad in search of non-existent greener pastures.

"You have shown the world that you are brave and committed to using legitimate means to make a living, and this is commendable. At DTI, we don’t only teach, we create things that support socio-economic growth. Also, I want to encourage you all not to compromise on quality. Let your works stand out and that will do all the talking for you," she said.

The High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda in Ghana, H.E Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, who was the special guest of honour at the graduation ceremony, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to use their skills and ethics to push Africa’s industrialization agenda.

She commended the CEO of DTI, Constance Swaniker for setting up DTI and sharing her talent and expertise with African youth.

DTI is an all-inclusive and gender-friendly institute that dedicates 30% admission per cohort to females. This is the Institute's commitment to championing gender equality in TVET for a sustained livelihood for the youth.

Raymond Adu Adjei who was adjudged the overall best student, reminisced the long and often arduous journey which had brought them to their graduation day, and on behalf of the graduating class, thanked faculty, administrators, and staff of the Institute, as well as the families of the graduating class for their support.

At DTI, after learners have successfully completed the program, they are carefully transitioned into various sectors of industry to work. It can be recalled that last year we had 77 learners graduating during the first DTI graduation. Out of the 77 learners, 67 have been transitioned into work and are working in several industries in the country. Six of them have since enrolled for the certificate 2 program at DTI.