Women in Mining Africa, WiM-Africa, is expanding programmes aimed at preparing African children and young people for careers and leadership roles in the mining and natural resources sector.
The organisation disclosed this after a meeting with the Liberian Ministry of Education in Monrovia to present its NextGen programmes and explore possible collaboration.
Executive Director of WiM-Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, said Africa must begin preparing its future minerals workforce early by investing in education, skills and leadership.
She said Ministries of Education have an important role to play in developing young people who can contribute to the continent’s growing minerals sector.
According to her, preparation should begin from primary and secondary schools through STEM, technical and vocational education, mentorship and leadership programmes.
WiM-Africa’s two major programmes are the Future Minerals Leaders Club for children aged eight to 13 and the NextGen Mining and Leadership Academy for young people aged 13 to 20.
The programmes introduce young people to mining, natural resources, environmental protection, safety, leadership, entrepreneurship and career opportunities.
The organisation said the programmes can be adapted to existing school clubs, STEM activities, girls’ education, career guidance and TVET programmes.
WiM-Africa said the Liberia engagement is part of its wider continental programme under its Action Plan 2030.
It said it is working with Ministries of Education, schools, TVET institutions and other stakeholders across Africa to expand the programmes.
The organisation has also developed training manuals and other materials to help schools and education authorities implement the initiatives.
WiM-Africa called on governments, mining companies, development partners and education organisations to support the programmes.
It said preparing young Africans with the right knowledge and skills would help the continent benefit more from its mineral resources and build a responsible future workforce.
