Advocacy for Social Inclusion and Girls Education (ASIGE), a non-governmental organization, has enrolled 100 vulnerable girls from rural communities in the Upper East Region onto vocational and technical Training programs over the past five years. The latest batch of 20 selected young girls has been admitted to undergo a three-year practical training in various trades including hairdressing, smock weaving, dressmaking, and welding, among others.

With funding from Amplify Action based in the United Kingdom, the beneficiaries received learning materials, equipment, and payment for the entire training duration. Since 2019, ASIGE has collaborated with various stakeholders to reduce unemployment in the region by supporting young vulnerable girls, particularly out-of-school girls and teenage mothers, to learn vocational skills.

Ms. Dorcas Apoore, Executive Director of ASIGE, highlighted that apart from vocational training, the beneficiaries would also receive entrepreneurship and digital training to enable them to establish their businesses, attract customers, and generate income. She mentioned that 33 girls had successfully graduated from the training, with five already starting their own businesses and employing other young girls.

Ms. Apoore emphasized the importance of technical and vocational skills training in reducing unemployment and promoting socioeconomic growth and development. She noted that the educational systems in Ghana and other African countries were mostly theory-based, contributing to high unemployment rates and limited entrepreneurship among graduates.

Madam Rita Abamah, Bongo District Girl Child Officer from the Ghana Education Service, commended the initiative, stating that it would build the capacity of young girls who missed out on formal education to lead dignified lives. She advised the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity to acquire practical skills and become economically independent.

Ms. Martha Asaane, one of the Master Trainers, pledged to train the girls at reduced fees and urged parents to support their wards. Ms. Matilda Adombire, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to ASIGE and its partners for the intervention, stating that the support would enable her to make up for the formal education she missed and become a responsible member of society.