The Virtuous Ladies’ wing of the Women’s Ministry of The Church of Pentecost in New Combine District has organised a three-day free entrepreneurship training for young ladies and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Akosombo and its environs.
The Network for Societal Transformation, headed by Elder Okyere, led the training, which was sponsored by the church for 100 young ladies, 50 of whom were members of the church and 50 non-members from the community, including Muslims. The PWDs were also sponsored to participate in the training, providing them with free transportation and feeding.
The training covered a variety of business skills, including the production of Communion Wine, Laundry Soap, Azuma Blows Soap, Hair conditioner, Fish farming, Snail farming, Biodigester, Tom Brown, Banana bread, Cake, Local drinks, Wedding hats, Fascinators, Wedding Bucanes, Stretch Mark Creams, Christmas hampers, Bridal make ups, and Spring roll, among others.
According to the organisers of the training, the programme was aimed at addressing the economic crisis in Akosombo and its environs, where unemployment has led some young ladies into social vices such as prostitution, fornication, stealing, and drug addiction, resulting in high rates of teenage pregnancies in basic schools in the area. The training provided young ladies with sustainable job opportunities through skill training.
The programme ended with a graduation ceremony for the participants, who were given certificates of participation.
The District Minister, Pastor Martin Berko Kesse, advised the trainees to value the opportunity given them to obtain new skills and put their learning into practice, working hard and preserving their bodies for Christ until they marry.
A competition was held between the PWDs, with the two top performers receiving GHC 1,000.00 each from the district, while the National Coordinator for Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPwDs), Pastor Alexander Nyame, promised to top it up with an additional GHC 1,000.00 each for the other three participants.
The event was graced by the National Coordinator for (MPwDs), Pastor Alex and Mrs Nyame, CEO for Networking Group for Societal Transformation, Elder Kumi Aboagye, the MP for Asuogyaman Constituency, Honourable Ampem Darko, who supported the programme with an amount of GHC 2000.00, Nene Chawe, and Mrs. Esther Funny, the Headmistress of AIS Complex Basic School.
The initiative was commended by the community people and Nene Chawe, an Elder of the Apostolic Church, Ghana, for its inclusivity and aiming at solving societal issues.
The church was urged to continue its efforts for other churches to emulate it.
Report by Raindolf Botcway.