A partnership between Fanshawe College and Ghana’s Sunyani Technical University (STU) is helping strengthen the country’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector — and making it more inclusive.
The two institutions are collaborating on AMP Up: Building the Green Skills Economy through Electric Vehicle Technology Training in Ghana — a Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) project funded by Global Affairs Canada.
The initiative is expanding access to technical training and promoting gender equality in STEM, while supporting local leadership in Ghana’s green economy.
Twenty participants began with a pre-departure 30-hour virtual train-the-trainer program, followed by an in-person 60-hour intensive hands-on EV training in London, Ontario. Due to visa processing delays, four students were unable to attend the in-Canada portion. The program concluded with a final 30-hour virtual component to support the application of new skills in local contexts.
Delivered by Fanshawe Global, the customized training fostered increased confidence, stronger communication skills and deeper cross-cultural engagement.
The results have been exceptional. Fanshawe College noted that the scholars consistently delivered high-quality work — exceeding expectations across virtual sessions, in-person training, final presentations and follow-up activities.
“Designing and delivering this initiative with 16 multidisciplinary scholars from Sunyani Technical University has been one of the most rewarding projects to manage in my 18 years of experience in the international education setting,” said Rosa Cristina Aguilar, Manager of Global Strategic Initiatives at Fanshawe Global.
“I’ve had the immense pleasure of working alongside professionals from engineering, agriculture, and fashion design — each bringing curiosity, commitment, and a forward-thinking mindset to the table. Staying connected to this remarkable group has been both inspiring and fulfilling. I firmly believe that the knowledge transfer and experiential learning facilitated by our Canadian team has planted a strong seed for STU’s Electric Vehicle Center of Excellence to become a true reference point in Ghana’s innovation landscape.”
Here’s what a few of the participants had to say:
This project helped me realize that women’s inclusion is not just about fairness but a necessity for driving sustainable change. Women make up nearly half of the world’s population and face unique challenges, yet they are often excluded from decision-making roles in emerging technologies like green energy.
By empowering women, we can ensure they become valued contributors and equal participants in shaping a sustainable future.
The BCDI 2030 project has inspired me to advocate for more opportunities for women in green energy, both in my community and beyond. It has strengthened my ability to articulate the importance of gender equity and the critical role women play in advancing green energy solutions. This is a change I will carry forward long after the project ends.
Apart from the technical knowledge about EVs I gained, I drew a great deal of inspiration from the female leads of the project.
I had the opportunity to learn about gender mainstreaming, equality and equity. This has put me in a better position to amplify the voices of women and the marginalized, and to champion the integration of gender equity as we strive towards a green future.
This project has really transformed my thinking, empowering me to be a better version of myself. I have learned to be better team player, more empathetic, and adaptive coupled with a unique viewpoint I can draw upon, should I get the opportunity to receive further training, teaching my students, or on the job.
The project has not only enhanced my technical knowledge but also transformed my approach to training and education. It has also made me realize the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem that fosters inclusivity and diversity. I have seen how empowering women and underrepresented groups can drive innovation and growth in the green energy sector.
I have made a conscious effort to incorporate gender-sensitive language and scenarios into my training materials. I have also started partnering with local organizations that support women in STEM fields to provide more opportunities for underrepresented groups. The project has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and network to make a meaningful impact in my faculty and community.
I am committed to paying it forward, inspiring others to join the green energy revolution and promoting a culture of inclusivity and equality. I’m excited to see the ripple effect of this project in the years to come.
The women participants stood out. They had always been passionate about sustainability but had never imagined a career in green energy. Social norms in our community had reinforced the idea that technical fields were not for women. Through BCDI 2030’s capacity-building workshops, our women counterparts not only gained the technical skills to facilitate courses and workshops in EV technology but also developed the confidence to challenge traditional gender roles.
Seeing them transition from hesitant participants to a vocal advocate for women through their immense contributions to EV technology changed my perspective. I now recognize that gender equity is not just about fairness — it’s about unlocking talent that can drive real progress in sustainability. Because of this project, I no longer see green energy as just a technological shift; it’s also a social revolution that requires inclusion and empowerment.
The individual women that took part are now ripe and ready to mentor other young women to follow in their footsteps. Their journeys, and many others like them, have made me more committed than ever to ensuring that sustainability and inclusion go hand in hand. BCDI 2030 didn’t just impact the participants, it transformed the way I think about the future of my field, energy and equity.
