The non-governmental organization (NGO) Inspire Action, through its Promotion of Vocational Oriented Training (PVOT) initiative, has trained a total of 24 individuals in detergent manufacturing and wig-making.

The Head of Mission for Inspire Action, Justice Zeukew, stated that the PVOT project was introduced to address the unemployment situation in Ghana, with the aim of training about 500 people within 12 months.

According to him, the programme would provide learners with essential skills to enhance and support their personal development, as well as offer them self-employment opportunities.

“The mission of the PVOT project was in line with Sustainable Development Goals 4,8 and 9. However, to achieve the SDGs through vocational training, it is important to ensure that vocational training programmes are accessible, affordable, and high-quality,” he said.

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he stressed the importance of providing individuals with technical and vocational education to attain sustainable economic growth.

Mr Zeukew said to ensure the training has a significant impact on the trainees, they will be enrolled in a mandatory entrepreneurial class organised by Inspire Action. This is to ensure that they can effectively utilise the skills they acquire to earn a living.

“There’s an open invitation for more individuals to join. If you or someone you know is seeking to gain valuable skills for a better future, reach out to Inspire Action,” he added.

The trainer for the detergent-making class, Mrs Christiana Ansah, said the trainees were taught how to make liquid soaps, fabric softeners, and floor cleaners.

She commended Inspire Action for undertaking such a project to address the widening unemployment gap in the country, as it will provide the trainees with the skills to be able to cater for themselves.

“Even if you do it and you don’t sell, you can do it and use it for yourself. Also, you make an income from selling it and be your boss,” she explained.

She urged all the trainees to reinvest in their newly acquired skills rather than idling at home because success does not occur in a vacuum, so they should be willing to make an effort.

The trainer for the wig-making class, Hawawu Karim, expressed her excitement about the training, emphasizing that many young people could benefit from it.

“When the trainees make the wig, they can choose to sell or wear them. I encourage all persons to come and learn because it’s absolutely free,” she said.

A project beneficiary, Evelyn Bedzo, lauded Inspire Action for the training opportunity, stating that she has been provided with lifelong skills that she can leverage to supplement her income.

She urged all stakeholders to facilitate various vocational trainings for Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to address the issue of unemployment in the country.

Background

In January of this year, Inspire Action launched the pilot phase of the PVOT project, covering several fields such as fashion design, wig-making, pedicure, manicure, barbering, and detergent fabrication. This initiative aims to reach out to the underprivileged members of society, including orphans, persons living with disabilities, youths who cannot afford regular training schools, victims of human and sex trafficking, victims of gender-based violence, etc.

This project is an opportunity to equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills and tools to foster economic security upon successful completion of the training, either through employment opportunities on the free market or self-employment. This endeavour aims to provide a certain level of economic stability to support their livelihoods.