The GIBICTS Center for Community and Youth Development (GCCYD) was founded in 1998 by Mr. Foster Oteng, a visionary entrepreneur with a strong background in business and technology. The journey began with the establishment of Magacom, a computer training facility dedicated to equipping individuals with essential IT skills. Magacom which was located in Konongo, quickly became a hub for learning and development. With a vision for expanding community support, Mr. Oteng also acquired a 3-acre plot of land in the Birim North District, utilizing it for sustainable activities, including fish and animal farming, and crop cultivation, all aimed at benefiting the local community.
In 2009, the training facility was relocated to the New Abirem area and rebranded as the Global Institute of Business and ICT Studies (GIBICTS). This transition marked an expansion in the scope of educational offerings, incorporating agricultural training, driven by Mr. Oteng’s passion for agribusiness, while working as the Communication Officer in charge of Multimedia and Publications at the New Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd., Akyem Mines. He expanded the agricultural work by acquiring 14 acres of land dedicated to cocoa and oil palm production.
However, after being laid off in 2013, Mr. Foster Oteng shifted his focus to agriculture and computer training. During this time, he became the founder and president of the Eastern Region local chapter of Optimist International, a global organization aimed at empowering young people. Through his leadership, Mr. Oteng continued to rediscover his ability to inspire and support the underprivileged youth.
Inspired to make a difference, Mr. Oteng established the GCCYD to empower disadvantaged youth. Through various programs and training initiatives, the center equips young individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to overcome obstacles and succeed in their lives.
Our Goal
GCCYD is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth by fostering their development and enhancing their skills through targeted apprenticeship programs in ICT, agribusiness, and vocational/technical disciplines. This is to promote self-employment and diverse employment opportunities to combat youth unemployment in Ghana and Africa. We are also committed to supporting young people’s access to education by providing them with scholarships.
Vision
To establish a transformative platform that empowers young individuals to unlock and nurture their inherent potential, guiding them towards becoming the best versions of themselves.
Mission
The mission of the GIBICTS Center for Community and Youth Development is to empower underprivileged youth by enhancing their skills and capabilities through targeted apprenticeship programs in ICT, agribusiness, and vocational/technical fields. We aim to promote self-employment and diverse employment opportunities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of youth unemployment and poverty rates in Ghana and across Africa.
Specific Objectives
The specific objectives of the GCCYD Youth Empowerment and Capacity Building programs are:
- Enhance Employability: Provide targeted ICT, vocational and technical training programs that equip young people aged 16-35 years with the skills necessary to secure employment in high-demand sectors such as IT and agribusiness.
- Foster Entrepreneurial Growth: Facilitate entrepreneurial training and apprenticeship opportunities that empower youth to start their own businesses, contributing to job creation within their communities.
- Support Educational Advancement: Provide scholarships and mentorship programs that empower young individuals to pursue higher education, supporting their personal and professional development.
- Promote Community Development: Provide vocational and technical skills, and entrepreneurial spirit among youth, contributing to the overall growth and development of the community.
Core Values
GIBICTS is guided by the following core values:
- Respect for one another
- Decency
- Trust
- Integrity
- A dedication to service
Achievements
- Training Facilities: GCCYD owns a 3-acre Training Centre and a 4-acre Demonstration Farm, offering hands-on training in fish farming, vegetable production, animal husbandry, and poultry farming.
- Apprenticeship Programs: We have developed and implemented programs in ICT, agribusiness, vocational/technical training, entrepreneurship, and environmental management, providing youth with skills for self-employment and various job opportunities.
- Academic Support: GCCYD is committed to improving education for underprivileged youth. Through free remedial classes, we support senior high school graduates in passing exams, helping them gain admission to training colleges and tertiary institutions. We also grant scholarships to deserving individuals, empowering them to pursue higher education and achieve their goals. Also, we've distributed essential teaching and learning materials to community schools in the Birim North District, enhancing the learning experience for countless children.
- Entrepreneurship & Economic Growth: GCCYD has fostered youth-led businesses through entrepreneurship training and mentorship programs, promoting economic growth and reducing youth unemployment in Ghana and Africa.
- Healthcare Initiatives: We implement community health programs, increasing healthcare access and raising awareness in underserved areas, thereby enhancing the well-being of local communities.
- Environmental Responsibility: GCCYD promotes sustainable environmental practices by raising awareness among youth and instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment.
- Social Interventions: Through our social programs, we support people with disabilities and disadvantaged individuals, by providing them with shelter, food, clothing, and free healthcare.
Core Collaborations & The Way Forward
Collaborations
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
Over the next five years, GCCYD aims to establish a cutting-edge training facility equipped with accommodation options for our apprenticeship and internship programs. This initiative will enhance our capacity and provide participants with a holistic learning experience, fostering their growth and success.
GCCYD envisions making a substantial contribution to increasing youth employment rates and alleviating poverty across Africa by 2030. Our goals are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting our commitment to fostering a brighter future for young people in the region.