The second edition of the Zongo Boot Camp, a community economic development programme, has been successfully organised by the Rotary Club of Accra-East.

This initiative was launched in 2018, driven by the late President Ibrahim Wuntah’s shared concern over the economic difficulties confronting women in underserved communities. Its goal was to create a programme that not only imparts practical skills but also fosters entrepreneurship and promotes self-reliance.

The project aligns with Rotary’s Area of Focus on Community Economic Development and seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

It aims to economically empower women by equipping them with practical (hands-on), marketable skills and basic business knowledge that encourages self-employment, small business creation, and sustainable community development.

The Zongo Boot Camp implemented last year had a significant and measurable impact on the lives of 40 women. The practical skills they gained translated directly into improved livelihoods and economic independence.

Following the training, approximately 60% of the beneficiaries have fully established and are actively running their own businesses, generating income and contributing to their households and communities. The tangible success and positive transformation recorded from the first edition strongly informed our decision to organize this second edition.

A total of 40 women who benefited from this second edition of the project were mainly women from Madina and surrounding communities, including single young mothers, school dropouts, unemployed women, and aspiring micro-entrepreneurs seeking alternative or additional sources of income.

The importance of skills acquisition was strongly demonstrated by the commitment of some participants who travelled from distant locations within Accra and beyond to participate in the training, underscoring the high value placed on learning sustainable livelihood skills.

Participants were trained under four skill areas, carefully selected for their relevance, affordability, and income-generating potential: soap and household detergent making, bead and fascinator making, tie-and-dye production, and pastries and local drink production.

Beyond technical skills, morning sessions held throughout the five-day training focused on holistic capacity building. Participants received training on the importance of good customer service, personal hygiene, packaging and branding, basic business management, and business registration procedures. These sessions were aimed at preparing the women to operate their enterprises professionally and competitively.

To support sustainability after the training, beneficiaries were provided with start-up kits relevant to their chosen skill areas. These kits are intended to enable participants to immediately begin or expand their small businesses upon graduation.

The programme was implemented at a total cost of USD 3,500 and supported by the dedicated efforts of Rotary members who contributed a combined 208 volunteer hours, reflecting strong commitment, service, and hands-on engagement by the club.

The programme climaxed with a closing ceremony, during which beneficiaries showcased their completed products. They displayed and sold some of their items to Rotarians and Rotaractors present, providing practical market exposure and affirming the quality and value of their handiwork.

Following graduation, beneficiaries are expected to establish and grow micro-enterprises, train others within their communities, and contribute meaningfully to local economic development.

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Accra-East, the President of the club, Mary Elorm Addo extended her sincere appreciation to all project partners, facilitators, service project committee members, volunteers and club members who contributed in diverse ways to the success of this initiative.

President Elorm encouraged the women to embrace skills acquisition and called on more partners to support initiatives that empower women, recognising that empowered women are central to strong families and resilient communities.

She added: “I encourage you to put the skills you have learned to good use. Start small if you must, but start with confidence. Stay connected with your facilitators, continue to learn and refine your craft.”

The beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Accra-East for offering them such a life-changing opportunity.

The Rotary Club of Accra-East intends to scale up the Zongo Boot Camp, deepen mentorship, and build partnerships to expand its reach and long-term impact.