Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, introduced in 2017, marked a significant step toward educational equity—boosting enrollment, expanding access, and earning international acclaim. Yet beneath this achievement lies a pressing challenge: a growing population of educated yet under-skilled youth, many of whom struggle to transition into productive employment or further education.

Despite over 500,000 students benefitting from Free SHS, fewer than 25% proceed directly to tertiary institutions, and an even smaller percentage secure meaningful work. With limited exposure to technical skills and practical career pathways, these young people often find themselves ill-prepared for Ghana’s evolving job market.

A 2024 Afrobarometer survey reveals that 64% of Ghanaian youth feel unprepared for employment after secondary school. Teens With Mandate exists to bridge this gap.

Our mission is to inspire purpose and raise leaders by equipping JHS and SHS students with practical career development coaching, soft skills, and industry-relevant exposure. We believe access to education must be matched with application—through mentorship, skills training, and early career exploration that reflect Ghana’s socio-economic realities.

We recognize that rural and underserved communities face the greatest disadvantage. While urban students may access private initiatives and elite training programs, many rural graduates are left behind. Teens With Mandate works directly in these underserved schools, fostering confidence, competence, and clarity among young learners as they envision and prepare for their futures.

We see a future where every Ghanaian student, regardless of background, emerges from school not just educated—but empowered, skilled, and ready to lead.