The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has signed a co-operation agreement with the German Development Agency (GIZ) to launch the “Make Fashion Inclusive” program.
This initiative aims to empower People With Disabilities (PWDs) by providing them with skills training and economic opportunities in the fashion industry.
According to the YEA CEO, Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong, the “Make Fashion Inclusive” program will provide training and resources to 50 Beneficiaries who will receive a guaranteed market for their products and a shop to facilitate sales.
“Existing fashion entrepreneurs and start-ups will also receive support with skills training, business development and financial literacy.”
He said that the partnership demonstrates YEA’s commitment to creating decent jobs and promoting inclusivity for all Ghanaian youth, particularly those with disabilities.
The CEO observed that with the support of GIZ and other collaborators, YEA is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of PWDs and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
“The ‘Make Fashion Inclusive’ program is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing social and economic challenges. By providing PWDs with skills training and economic opportunities, YEA and GIZ are helping to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the fashion industry,” he said.
With the distribution of modern electric sewing machines and the establishment of a Skills and Fashion hub, Beneficiaries will have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Mr. Agyepong noted that this program is not only empowering PWDs but also contributing to the growth and development of the fashion industry in Ghana.
A New Dawn
He described the partnership between YEA and GIZ as a new dawn for youth employment in Ghana, adding that by working together, they are creating decent jobs and promoting inclusivity for all Ghanaian youth.
As YEA CEO, Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong noted, “This is a new dawn and a further growth in the cap of the Agency’s mission to create decent jobs.”
With initiatives like the ‘Make Fashion Inclusive’ program, YEA is solidifying its position as a leader in youth employment and empowerment.
The agency has already made significant strides in supporting PWDs, including the creation of Disability Desks in all 266 YEA offices across the country and the recruitment of 282 PWDs as District Disability Officers.
On his Part Mr Wilhelm Hugo, Head of Programme for the German Development Corporation’s Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” announced a groundbreaking partnership with the YEA and other local stakeholders to launch the ‘Make Fashion Inclusive’ project in Ghana.
The initiative aims to promote inclusive economic development and sustainable employability in the fashion and textile sector, with a focus on innovation and job creation for all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Hugo emphasised the importance of collaboration and inclusive economic development, stating “We want to work together…for inclusive economic development…We stand by ability…We want to create jobs for all persons, for all citizens.”
The two-year project will kick off with a pilot training program, with plans to expand to other sectors and participants in the future.
Hugo expressed enthusiasm for the project’s innovative approach, saying, “The project is very innovative…We want to kick off this innovative development in the sector…for a bigger impact.”
This partnership demonstrates the German Development Corporation’s commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth and inclusive development in Ghana, with a focus on empowering marginalised communities and promoting decent work for all.
By Jesse Otoo
