|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Samuel Asamoah
The Skills and Enterprise Development Centre at Doryumu in the Shai Osudoku District has graduated its first batch of trainees, reinforcing efforts by traditional authorities and development partners to create opportunities for young people and tackle social vices in the community.
More than 30 people successfully completed training in soap and detergent production under an initiative being implemented through a partnership involving Quantum Ideas Ghana, Rotary International and the Bay City Club of Michigan.
In a remarkable demonstration that learning and entrepreneurship know no age limits, a 73-year-old man and members of his family were among the beneficiaries who successfully completed the programme and received certificates during the graduation ceremony.
The graduation marked a significant milestone in a broader intervention aimed at addressing youth unemployment, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and other social challenges confronting residents of Doryumu and surrounding communities.
The Djaase of Gbetesie, Nene Djaase Teye Djaba, who played a pivotal role in bringing the project to the community, reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing opportunities that would improve the socio-economic conditions of residents, particularly the youth.
According to him, changing the narrative often associated with the youth of Seh and neighbouring communities requires deliberate investments in skills development, entrepreneurship and job creation.
He stressed that equipping young people with practical and income-generating skills remains one of the most effective ways of reducing idleness and steering them away from social vices.
The Overlord of Hiowe Gblaka, Nene Amponsah Afedi, also reiterated the resolve of traditional authorities to eliminate social vices among the youth and promote responsible behaviour for the benefit of future generations.
He emphasized that chiefs and elders in the area remain committed to supporting interventions that create hope and economic opportunities while enforcing discipline within the community.
Speaking on the success of the graduation programme, Anne Ethel Komlaga, Executive Lead of Quantum Ideas Ghana and implementing partner for the Rotary International Global Grant Project in Doryumu, described the graduation of the first batch of trainees as a major achievement for the community and its development partners.
She noted that the successful completion of the programme by more than 30 beneficiaries demonstrates the positive impact of skills training and entrepreneurship development on community empowerment.
“The graduation of this first batch is a clear indication that the project is achieving its objectives. We are seeing people acquire practical skills that can help them generate income, support their families and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities,” she said.
Ms. Komlaga highlighted the participation of the 73-year-old trainee and his family as evidence of the widespread community acceptance of the programme and the determination of residents to improve their livelihoods through skills acquisition.
She expressed satisfaction with the commitment shown by the trainees, traditional leaders and residents throughout the implementation of the project.
She further assured stakeholders that Quantum Ideas Ghana, together with Rotary International and other partners, would continue to support the initiative to ensure its sustainability and expansion.
On her part, the Rotarian President of the Akosombo-Dam City, host of the project in Doryumu, Ernestina Yormekpe expressed joy about the confidence exhibited by the beneficiaries in the training they acquired. He believes the initiative and commitment by the trainees will translate into a positive economic impact in their lives.
Beyond the vocational training programme, the partners used the occasion to undertake public education on menstrual hygiene and challenge harmful cultural misconceptions and stigma associated with menstruation.
The sensitisation programme targeted residents, trainees and traditional authorities, emphasizing the importance of menstrual health education, dignity and support for adolescent girls and women.
Stakeholders said the inclusion of menstrual hygiene education reflects a broader commitment to community development, gender inclusion and social awareness.
As part of the ceremony, the graduates were awarded certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the training programme.
Community leaders and development partners expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would use the acquired skills to establish small businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute positively to the socio-economic development of Doryumu and neighbouring communities.
The Skills and Enterprise Development Centre is funded by Rotary International Global Grant aimed at equipping residents with practical entrepreneurial skills and reducing their vulnerability to negative social influences.
For many residents, the graduation of the first batch of trainees represents not only a celebration of achievement but also a renewed sense of hope for the future of the youth and the broader Doryumu community in the Shai Osudoku District.
