About Us

Historical Setting, Aim, and Objectives

The GIBICTS Center for Community and Youth Development (GCCYD) was established approximately 18 years ago by Mr. Foster Oteng, who initially founded Magacom, a computer training facility. In 1998, Mr. Oteng established Magacom Computer Training with a branch located in Konongo, en route to the heart of Ghana. Around the same time, he acquired a 3-acre plot of land near the village of Adadekrom in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region. His intention was to develop the land for various purposes, including fish and animal farming, crop cultivation, and other activities. In 2009, Magacom Computer Training relocated to the Birim North District’s New Abirem Area and was renamed the Global Institute of Business and ICT Studies (GIBICTS). Due to Mr. Foster Oteng’s expertise and passion for Agribusiness, he decided to incorporate agricultural training into GIBICTS’ core functions. He successfully established a livelihood in agriculture alongside his employment at Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd., Akyem Mine, by purchasing a 14-acre plot of land dedicated to cocoa and oil palm production. These ventures proved successful within the aforementioned territories.

After being laid off by his employer in 2013, Mr. Foster Oteng made agriculture and computer training his primary occupations for a period. He also became a member and founder of Optimist International, a global organization focused on fostering optimism and positive outlooks among young people to unlock their full potential. As the president and founder of the local chapter in the eastern part of the country, Mr. Oteng discovered his capacity to inspire and motivate youth to achieve greatness. Through his involvement in the club’s activities, he realized the abilities and resources he possessed, which could be used to support underprivileged youth.

Motivated by his newfound awareness and desire to make a difference, Mr. Oteng decided to utilize the available resources and his skills to empower young people and equip them with the necessary tools to overcome the challenges they face in the outside world. This vision led to the establishment of the GIBICTS Center for Community and Youth Development, with the aim of nurturing and developing the potential of disadvantaged youth.

Aims and Objectives

The overarching aim of the GCCYD is to develop and build the capacity of underprivileged youth through apprenticeship programs in ICT, Agribusiness, and Vocational/Technical fields, promoting self-employment and other forms of employment. This aim is intended to contribute to reducing youth unemployment and poverty rates in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Additionally, GCCYD aims to support young people through tertiary education and grant educational scholarships.

The primary objective of GIBICTS is to provide comprehensive Vocational and Technical Skills training to individuals, particularly young people, enabling them to effectively utilize their skills and become employable members of society. Furthermore, the institution’s objective is to equip students with the essential ICT skills necessary to succeed in the modern, computer-driven world.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the GCCYD Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building programs are:

  • To enhance the employability of unemployed young people (aged 16-35 years) by providing training in the fields of ICT, Agriculture, and other apprenticeship training programs.
  • To improve Vocational and Technical skills, employment services, and entrepreneurial spirit, thereby contributing to the development of the community at large.

Vision

To create a platform that empowers individuals to discover and develop their innate potential, enabling them to become the best version of themselves.

Mission

The mission of GIBICTS Center for Community and Youth Development is to empower underprivileged youth by developing and strengthening their capacity through apprenticeship programs in ICT, agribusiness, and vocational/technical fields. This aims to promote self-employment and other forms of employment, ultimately reducing youth unemployment and poverty rates in Ghana and across Africa.

CORE VALUES

GIBICTS is guided by the following core values:
  • Respect for one another
  • Decency
  • Trust
  • Integrity
  • A dedication to service

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • GCCYD currently owns approximately 3 acres of land for its Training Centre.
  • Additionally, it boasts a 4-acre plot, merely 200 meters from the Demonstration Farms’ training grounds (encompassing Fish farming, Vegetable Production, Animal Husbandry, and Poultry Production).
  • GYCCD has successfully developed and implemented comprehensive apprenticeship programs in various fields, including ICT, agribusiness, vocational/technical training, entrepreneurship, and environmental management.
  • These programs have empowered underprivileged youth with valuable skills and knowledge, enabling them to pursue self-employment and other employment opportunities.
  • Through free remedial classes, GYCCD has enhanced education for young individuals, particularly those who have completed senior high school, facilitating their success in November-December examinations and subsequent enrollment in Training Colleges and other Tertiary Institutions.
  • Furthermore, GYCCD has fostered the establishment of thriving youth-led businesses through entrepreneurship training and mentorship programs, contributing to economic growth and reducing youth unemployment in Ghana and Africa.
  • In the realm of Healthcare, GYCCD has implemented community health programs, increasing awareness and delivering essential healthcare services to underserved populations, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of communities.
  • They have also granted scholarships to deserving young individuals, empowering them to pursue higher education and fulfill their aspirations.
  • By providing access to Training Colleges, GYCCD supports underprivileged youth in acquiring valuable skills and qualifications for a brighter future, actively engaging with local communities to foster collaboration and create opportunities for sustainable development and growth.
  • Additionally, GYCCD has introduced ICT training programs to equip young people with digital skills, enabling them to participate in the modern workforce and digital economy. They have also promoted environmental management practices among youth, raising awareness about sustainable development and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
  • Through our social intervention programs, we have assisted a significant number of people with disabilities and the disadvantaged in society, providing them with shelter, food, clothing, and free healthcare.
  • The Organization has distributed essential Teaching and Learning Materials to various Communities in the Birim North District, enhancing child education and improving the learning experience for countless children.

CORE Collaborations, Networking, and the Way Forward

GCCYD has fostered collaborations with Innovative Enterprises and Higher Institutions of Learning, including:
  • The Business School of the Presbyterian University, Ghana
  • Livelihoods and Environment, Ghana
  • All African Students’ Union (AASU)
  • Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Ghana
  • Optimal Change Partnerships
  • Eastern Regional Optimist Club
  • Humanity Project Africa, Nigeria
  • First Brainer Foundation, Nigeria
  • Olandofamily Foundation

Looking Ahead

In the next five years, GCCYD plans to establish a state-of-the-art training facility with accommodation options for its Apprenticeship and Internship programs. This will enable the organization to increase its capacity and provide a comprehensive learning experience for its participants.

Long-term Vision

Ultimately, GCCYD’s long-term goal is to contribute significantly to Africa’s achievement of higher rates of youth employment and reduced poverty by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).