By Maxwell Awumah
Mafi-Sasekpe (V/R), Oct 1, GNA-In a vibrant mini-durbar and graduation ceremony, the Nneka Youth Foundation, in collaboration with Social Enterprise Ghana (SE Ghana), graduated some 100 young women, who completed an intensive, month-long vocational and business training programme.
Under the Accelerating Community Transformation, Innovation, Vocational Access, and Trade Employment (ACTIVATE) Project, the women were taken through economic generating skills towards self-sufficiency and enhanced livelihoods.
The programme targeted women aged 15 to 35 in Mafi Sasekpe, were equipped with specialised training across the cassava value chain, baking and pastries, black soap production, and agripreneurship.
Addressing the audience, Madam Cecilia Fiaka, Founder and Executive Director of the Nneka Youth Foundation, urged the graduates to act as ambassadors of change by putting their newly acquired skills into practice to transform their local economy.
She said the initiative was designed to build practical value-addition skills, market literacy, and business acumen. The initiative aims to reduce poverty and curb gender-based violence by opening clear paths to financial independence.
The ceremony brought together prominent traditional and community leaders, including Togbe Boakpo V, Dufia of Mafi Sasekpe; Mama Klebetesi III; local assembly representatives; a delegate representing the Regional Minister.
Togbe Boakpo V, Dufia of Mafi Sasekpe; who pledged raw material support for the graduates to manufacture products for display at the upcoming Hogbetsotso Festival, encouraged neighbouring communities to learn from their success.
He said empowering the girl-child was key to socio-economic emancipation and pledged further support to the graduands.
Mama Klebetesi III, queen of the community advocated for additional support toward completing the community processing centre established by the Nneka Youth Foundation and Social Enterprise Ghana, which would serve as a crucial bridge for women transitioning into the active workforce.
Mr James Gunu, in an address read for him, noted that the project aligns with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council’s efforts to advance women’s empowerment through interventions that promote women’s rights and visibility.
The project’s emphasis on small-scale enterprise mentorship underscores both organisations’ shared vision: fostering self-reliance, leadership, and resilient community development across Ghana.
Nneka Youth Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to its partners, programme facilitators, and the entire Mafi Sasekpe community for their steadfast commitment to sustainable development.
GNA
Edited By: Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reported By: Maxwell Awumah
Email: [email protected]