educataGhana kicked off with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture, showcasing traditional dance accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums, setting the tone for the colorful event. The occasion was honored by notable figures, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Ambassador Daniel Krull, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ghana, Mr. Kwang-Yung Jung, Regional Coordinator of German Sparkassenstiftung Western Africa, and Dr. Michael Blank, Delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana, alongside many other distinguished guests and participants.

educataGhana is an international education exhibition and idea factory aimed at driving impactful change and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. It seeks to promote business in education and related fields, bridge the gap to employment, empower through hands-on learning, offer deep dives and industry insights on the ecosystem, innovative practices, and new developments, and empower participants with financial management skills through business simulation and coaching. It is an initiative organized by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana and German Sparkassenstiftung Western Africa.

DSIK had a booth at the event where we showcased our projects, outlined our mandate, and highlighted both our past and ongoing initiatives in Ghana. In addition, we organised a a business game teaser session and hosted two panel discussions during the 2-day event.

Participants got a teaser of the flagship Micro Business Game, combined with an activity on the 5Ps of marketing. The business game had selected participants engage in a simulation designed to reflect the challenges faced by micro-entrepreneurs and how to navigate them. Using a popular drink brand as a case study, the session on the 5Ps of Marketing Strategy helped participants experience the need to formulate effective strategies for various market conditions. It broadened their understanding beyond the traditional marketing mix to encompass areas like market penetration, product development, market expansion, and diversification. The experience was fun, interactive, and educational, leaving participants eager for more.

The panel discussions hosted by DSIK revolved around the opic of TVET, leveraging from the German experience in the vocational sector and lessons to draw from the experiences made.

• Panel Discussion 1, " TVET, Pathway to Economic Success: Lessons from the German Experience" aimed to drive a mindset change about TVET and to encourage parents, guardians, and everyone to regard TVET as a successful career pathway. Additionally, during the discussions, panel members shared valuable information for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to enhance the quality of TVET programs for improved economic outcomes at both the individual and national levels. They also highlighted the importance of an integrated skill set in creating a versatile and competent workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth. This discussion was led by Ms. Lawrencia Akosua Pomaa (Moderator) – Programme Manager, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung-Ghana (KAS), Robert Danful – Technical Advisor, Workplace Experience Learning, Pact for Skills Project, GIZ , Ms. Constance Swaniker – Founder & President, Design Technology Institute and Mr. Jack Botsio – Master Craftman

• Panel Discussion 2 "Success factors of a dualized vocational system: the German case" aimed to look into the components of the German  system—examining the curriculum, the role of industry partnerships, and the comprehensive skill set it aims to develop in students. Conversations centered around how this dual approach has contributed to both individual career success and broader economic growth, and derived lessons that can be learned from this model to enhance TVET system in Ghana. The discussions did not seek to highlight the system's success solely because it originates in Germany but to understand and appreciate the dualized structure that underpins its effectiveness. The panel was constituted of Mr. Kafui Adoboe (Moderator) – Senior Project Manager , German Sparkassenstiftung Western Africa, Mr. Kwang-Yung Jung – Regional Coordinator-German Sparkassenstiftung Western Africa, Mr. Thomas Konitzer – Key Expert, Support to the Private and Financial Sector in Ghana and Regional Coordinator of DSIK Eastern Africa, Mr. Jörn Halsinger – CEO of  AMBYLON and Ms. Edith Adotey – Standards and Curriculum Development, Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET).

educataGhana attracted attendees from near and far and was met with resounding success. We look forward to seeing you all in two years for another exciting and insightful educataGhana!