The first cohort of beneficiaries of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme graduated after successfully completing their training.
The event, which took place on Thursday, June 20, 2024 amid pomp and pageantry, marked a significant milestone in the lives of 600 young women, who have been equipped with valuable vocational skills.
The training covered various areas, including soap and detergent making, baking, pedicure and manicure, beading, décor and make-up artistry.
Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP), delivered a speech, highlighting the achievements of the graduates and the importance of the programme.
He began by acknowledging the distinguished guests, political appointees and dignitaries present.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the entrepreneurship journey of our young women as we celebrate their graduation from the Kayayei Skills Empowerment Programme. We are witnessing not just a graduation but a dawn of new possibilities and the promise of a brighter future for our beneficiaries,” Mr. Nkansah stated.
The Kayayei Empowerment Programme is a visionary project initiated by the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aimed at empowering young women often marginalised in society.
Mr. Nkansah commended the Vice President for his dedication to the cause. “His zeal to see to the empowerment of our Kayayei ladies deserves commendation. A round of applause for H.E,” he said, leading the audience to show their appreciation.
The graduates demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout their training, a journey that not only provided them with vocational skills but also helped them reclaim their dignity and steer away from the perils of street life.
“They have exceeded our expectations with their performance during the training. A round of applause for our sisters,” Mr. Nkansah applauded.
In total, 600 young women were trained in six specialised skill areas. One hundred and seventy were trained in soap and detergent making, accounting for 28% of the cohort. Baking skills were acquired by 172 participants, making up 29% of the group.
Beads and jewelry making was chosen by 47 women, representing 8% of the trainees. Seventeen participants or 3% focused on décor, while 46 women or 8% were trained in pedicure and manicure.
Finally, 148 participants, constituting 24% of the cohort, specialised in make-p artistry. As part of the ceremony, the graduates received starter packs, providing them with the basic tools needed to start their own businesses in their respective trades.
“Dear beneficiaries, as you receive your certificates and starter packs, remember that this is just the beginning of your entrepreneurship journey.
“With the skills you have acquired, you have the power to shape your destiny and inspire others with your stories of resilience,” Mr. Nkansah encouraged.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Nkansah thanked all those who contributed to the success of the programme.
“We are grateful to our dedicated trainers, our colleagues from the office of the Vice President, our sister agencies on the project, GEA, YEA, GETFUND, and CTVET, our coordinators, and all those who believed in the potential of these young women. Our utmost thanks go to our bosses H.E. The President and H.E. the Vice President whose vision made this possible,” he said.
The training programme will continue throughout the year, with preparations underway to admit the next cohort of beneficiaries.
Additionally, Mr. Nkansah announced that earlier in the day, they fulfilled their promise to provide each beneficiary with a GHC1000 stipend, paying the outstanding GHC500 in addition to the initial GHC500 given at the beginning of the training.
To the graduates, Mr. Nkansah assured that this is not the end of their engagement with NEIP. “We will be visiting you to see how well you are doing in your chosen trade areas. Congratulations to you all once again, and we wish you the very best of luck,” he concluded.
