Entertainment
Nana Ama McBrown Urges Youth to Learn Trades Despite Formal Education
Ghanaian actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown has urged young people to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying learning a trade can provide an alternative path to financial independence.
Speaking in a recent interview on Joy FM, McBrown said young people should not depend solely on academic qualifications to secure their future.
She encouraged those without formal education to learn a trade while also advising graduates and other educated individuals to acquire practical skills that could generate income.
“If you didn’t get a formal education, learn a trade. Even if you did have an education, still learn a trade or a handy job.”
McBrown stressed that a person’s background or educational level should not determine their chances of succeeding in life.
She encouraged young people to recognise their abilities, develop confidence and avoid allowing difficult circumstances to define their future.
“Everybody was born into this world with something, whether your parents are alive or they’re not alive, whether you have education or you don’t have, I want you to know that you’re somebody.”
The actress also highlighted the importance of having a positive mindset, explaining that self-belief can influence how individuals approach their goals and challenges.
“If you think you’re somebody, you will become somebody. If you think you are wayward or you’re just useless for anything, then you will be.”
She further pointed to social media as an avenue that has created new opportunities for people to build careers, businesses and public profiles without following the traditional educational route.
“Right now social media has made people wealthy and popular. You don’t have to feel that because you didn’t go to school you won’t make it in life.”
McBrown also advised young adults to identify what they are passionate about and dedicate time to developing their abilities in that area.
According to her, people above the age of 20 should have a clearer understanding of what they want to pursue and should invest in becoming skilled in their chosen field.
“By this age above 20 you know what you want. You need to fall in love with something. The moment you fall in love with something, you learn about that something and you make sure you equip yourself in that something.”
She cautioned against trying to pursue too many interests at once, noting that constantly moving from one thing to another can make it difficult to achieve meaningful results.
“Being everywhere doesn’t give you results. Focus on what you think you love and follow.”