Each year, the vocational training centre equips 24 girls with dressmaking and hairdressing skills, and 100 youth with other essential skills. This helps tackle unemployment and boost economic growth in Nkwanta, Ghana.

Local Solution

The new centre will empower 24 girls with dressmaking and hairdressing skills, while another 100 youth will benefit from its flagship programs, promoting economic growth and addressing unemployment

The proposed vocational training centre is a timely intervention to address the devastating impact of youth unemployment in the region. In Nkwanta Municipality, single teenage mothers struggle to survive due to limited skills. Many young people are forced to migrate to cities, where they often fall prey to exploitation and desperation.

VAO’s commitment to inclusive decision-making allowed project participants to actively contribute to the project’s development, which was guided by the Problem Tree Analysis Framework (PTAF). Additionally, local chiefs and elders emphasised the importance of vocational training in addressing rural-urban migration among out-of-school youths.

To address the pressing issue of skills mismatch and unemployment, VAO is establishing a four-unit block vocational training centre, which will offer programs tailored to the specific needs of local industries. The centre will feature key components including;

1. A one-year tailoring apprenticeship program, offering in-depth training in the craft.
2. A hairdressing and beautician apprenticeship program, focusing on hair care, nail care, and other beauty skills.
3. A conference room capable of hosting various events, including exhibitions, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
4. Administration offices and a menstrual health counselling unit provide essential services supporting trainees’ overall development.

By combining hands-on learning with mentorship, project participants will develop the practical skills and confidence required to successfully launch their own businesses and take control of their economic futures. To secure the project’s future, we have implemented a multi-faceted approach to revenue generation, including event hosting fees and merchandise sales. This will enable us to maintain the centre’s operations and ensure its sustainability over the long term.

With a decade of experience in the Nkwanta South Municipality, VAO’s mission is centred on promoting women’s empowerment and social change, making it an ideal partner for projects that aim to address the concerns and challenges faced by women and the youth.

Lives Improved

A remarkable 24 girls have completed dressmaking and hairdressing training courses within the first year, equipping them with practical skills to secure stable employment. Others have leveraged their newfound expertise to start their own businesses, achieving financial stability and independence.

Moreover, 100 youth benefit from other flagship programs. At least 90% are expected to secure employment or start their own businesses. About 496 family members benefit from the increased income facilitating access to housing, education, childcare, food and medical care.

Community Impact

The training centre is a strategic investment in the community’s future, designed to address pressing issues of unemployment and poverty. The centre will empower individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute to long-term community prosperity by offering essential skills and fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

Budget

The total Budget for the entire project is € 22.000. The budget will be used to:

• Construction of the four-unit block vocational training centre €14.000.
• Equipping the centre and initial operating expenses support €8000
• 5% to iMPACT direct for facilitating direct donations to local solutions (covering our costs for the website, financial costs of direct donations, and basic costs to support NGOs in promotion and fundraising.)

Own Contribution

iMPACT direct and VAO have committed to funding the construction costs: €9,623 and €4,377 respectively. The initial operational expenses and equipment costs of €8,000 will be covered by the Later Day Saint Charity, providing a solid foundation for the centre’s long-term success.

Testimonial

‘’Following the abandonment of my child’s father when I was pregnant, I was left to rely on my father’s help during that difficult period. After giving birth, I found it challenging to secure employment as a school dropout without any vocational training. However, the liquid soap training and the start-up capital of GHS 1000.00 from the Vulnerable Aid Organization have empowered me to become self-sufficient and support my son.’’ Charity Ama woemeyor.