training camps, vocational schools or learning centres in West Africa

When setting up training camps, vocational schools or learning centres in West Africa – e.g. in countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia or Ivory Coast – there are certain key areas that need to be considered. The structure is generally similar, but each country has its own laws and dynamics.

Here is a structured overview:

✅ 1. Legal framework

📌 Registration & permits

• Usually has to be done at the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth & Sports or Ministry of Social Development.
• Often necessary:
  • Association or NGO registration (for non-profit learning centres)
  • Vocational school/education licence (for technical schools)
  • Approval by local authorities or chiefs (especially in rural areas)

📌 Recognition of certificates

• If you want to offer official qualifications, the centre must be registered with the relevant national qualifications authority (e.g. TVET in Ghana, WAEC for exams in several countries).
• For informal training camps, a certificate from the organisation itself is often sufficient – but recognised partnerships increase credibility.

📊 2. Structure & setup of a learning centre

🏢 Organisational structure

• Management team (directorate, administration, project management)
• Teaching team (teachers, trainers, supervisors)
• Support team (technology, kitchen, cleaning, security)

📚 Educational structure

• Modules or courses with clear learning objectives (e.g. IT, agriculture, crafts, business, mindfulness)
• Combination of theory and practice (especially in vocational training)
• Level structure:
  • Beginners (basic skills)
  • Advanced (intermediate)
  • Specialists (advanced/entrepreneurial level)

💬 3. Social & cultural factors

🌍 Community involvement

• Cooperation with local authorities, village elders, religious communities is important
• Especially for camps in rural areas: respectful treatment of cultural practices and language

👥 Define target group

• Who will be supported? (Young people, women, former refugees, school dropouts?)
• Consider age structure, language level, educational background

💰 4. Financing & sustainability

• Initial financing via:
  • International NGOs or missionary organisations
  • Foundations & support programmes (e.g. GIZ, UNICEF, EU projects)
  • Diaspora engagement or microfinance models
• Possible in the long term:
  • Low course fees
  • Production & sales (e.g. school furniture, agricultural products, handicrafts)
  • Cooperation with companies (e.g. for training)

📆 5. Example structure for a learning centre (modular)

Area Description

Foundation team Management, registration, vision, financing

Coordination Curriculum, lecturers, organisation

Training rooms Classrooms, workshops, computer rooms

Course offerings E.g. tailoring, agriculture, solar energy

Certification Internal certificate or in partnership with an official body

Monitoring Evaluation, feedback system, follow-up of graduates