Driving Change: A Recap of the 2025 NEWW Career Fair and Summer School in Ghana

The Network for Labour-Market Oriented Education in Waste and Water Management (NEWW) project recently concluded its 2025 flagship events held from September 22nd to 26th. Hosted at the University of Ghana and the Hephzibah Christian Centre, this year’s gathering brought together experts, students, and industry leaders from Ghana, Rwanda, and Germany

Bridging the Gap in Waste and Water Management

The NEWW project, a collaboration between the University of Ghana (IESS), the University of Oldenburg, and UTAB Rwanda, aims to strengthen employability and labor-market stability. By aligning academic teaching with industry needs, the project addresses critical environmental challenges like flooding and waste disposal faced by both Ghana and Rwanda.

Event Highlights

The week was divided into two impactful segments:

• The Career Fair: Under the theme „Waste and Water Education for Impact: Discovering Career Prospects,“ students explored diverse pathways. Sessions featured industry insights on the Jekora Model for waste management, landfill material recovery, and the circular economy.
• The Summer School: Building on the foundations laid in Kigali in 2024, participants engaged in a participatory approach to curriculum development. The goal was to finalize a comprehensive waste and water management course to be rolled out next year.

Beyond the Classroom

Innovation wasn’t just confined to the lecture halls. The program included:

• Interactive Group Work: Intensive sessions where participants co-created educational content.
• Field Trips: Visits to Jekora Ventures provided practical context, while cultural stops at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Aburi Botanical Gardens fostered networking and collaboration.

As we wrap up this successful week in Ghana, the NEWW project moves one step closer to ensuring that the next generation of experts is equipped to lead sustainable environmental solutions.