The first batch, comprising hundreds of youth, to be trained under a free apprenticeship programme have been presented with the requisite tools, valued at over GH¢60,000 for them to start the training in hairdressing, sewing, electrical installation and other vocations based on a beneficiary’s interest.
A non-profit-making organisation, Manna Education and Development Foundation, founded by Dr. Janet Baah, a U.K-based Ghanaian, which initiated the training programme, has fully paid the apprenticeship fees for the initial 30 beneficiaries, while currently mobilising all interested underprivileged youth within the Sunyani Municipality for training.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the presentation ceremony at Kotokrom near Sunyani, an official of the Foundation, Madam Mary Alhassan, advised the trainees to attach maximum seriousness to the programme to enable them successfully pass out, and lead decent and independent lives.
She said the Foundation would monitor their progress and could withdraw its support to any apprentice found to be uncommitted to the training.
She underscored the Foundation’s resolve to improve the wellbeing of people, especially the youth, as the government alone could not shoulder all the responsibility.
She disclosed that the Foundation had secured a large parcel of land in Sunyani for the construction of a skills training centre to provide free vocational training to the general public.
The Assembly Member for Kotokrom, Mr. Dramani Mahama, expressed his appreciation to the Foundation for the support, and added his voice to the call on the beneficiaries to attach maximum seriousness to the training.
He called for more of such support from other organisations to augment the government’s efforts at creating skills-based jobs for the people.
