In an effort to address the issue of unemployment among young girls and ladies in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region in northern Ghana, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has launched a two-year apprenticeship program. Apexnewsgh reports
The program aims to train and empower young women in the communities of Bongo-Boko, Bongo-Balungu, and Bongo-Zorkor in the skills of smock weaving and dressmaking.
KOICA’s primary objective is to support partner countries in securing the necessary human resources for their development. Through their Fellowship program, the organization strives to share technical skills and knowledge while building capacities for sustainable socio-economic development.
Supervised by Nsoh Alice, the vocational training school has seen significant enrollment. The Zorkor branch alone registered 80 beneficiaries, with an additional 80 in Balungu and 160 in Boko, to be trained in either weaving or sewing.
For those involved in weaving, the program includes a three-month training period, during which they will learn to weave accurately. Upon completion, they will have the opportunity to sell their woven cloths and open individual bank accounts. The interest earned from their savings will be paid into these accounts, promoting financial independence. However, the funds will remain in the accounts until the completion of the two-year program.
This vocational training program comes as a welcome relief for many young girls in the Bongo District, who have been faced with issues such as teenage pregnancy and child marriage. These challenges have contributed to high school dropout rates and perpetuated the cycle of poverty within families.
Akyere Margaret, one of the teachers at the vocational school, has witnessed the rapid progress made by the beneficiaries. She confidently states that by the end of the program, these young girls will become professionals in both weaving and sewing.
Prior to this opportunity, many of these girls were idle and without prospects. They are now grateful for the chance to learn valuable skills and no longer have to travel to cities like Kumasi for menial jobs.
“The Bongo community would like to express their gratitude to KOICA for empowering their district and various communities across the region”. She said
The vocational training program is seen as a game-changer in providing opportunities for these young girls, helping them break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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