Graduation ceremony in Tianjin University

 

In general what are the relevant skills for success?

We can simply summarise them with these two words, “hard” and “soft” skills. So, what are hard and soft skills?

Hard skills are teachable abilities that are easy to measure. Typically you can learn these skills through online courses, training materials, books, and in the classroom. For example, a degree is a hard skill and is definitely measurable because we have different types/ levels of degrees (Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate) and also you have cum laude, summa cum laude, magna, maxima and so forth.

On the other hand, soft skills are hard to quantify. We commonly use the term “interpersonal skills” to refer to them. They are abilities that show how you can relate or interact with other people. An example of a soft skill is teamwork. It is hard to show a potential employer that you possess this skill. Therefore soft skills can be described as demonstrative abilities.

At Goal Four we have taken the initiative to invest in African youth. According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the median age of Africa is 18, while in North America, it is 35. However, if these young men and women are given the much needed right kind of education, they will drive the kind of innovation and economic growth and development needed in the continent to increase the longevity and overall health and well-being of African people’s lives.