Young women in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region are gaining economic independence through the SkillBuilders Programme (SBP), a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative implemented by GrowAfrica For Me.
The programme combines practical vocational skills training with entrepreneurship and business development education to equip participants with the tools needed to establish sustainable livelihoods.
According to the Executive Director of GrowAfrica For Me, Albert Sheibila Mali, the initiative was developed in response to the growing need for market-relevant skills among young people, particularly women.
He said the programme seeks to empower beneficiaries with practical competencies that can lead to self-employment and economic independence.
The SkillBuilders Programme targets young people between the ages of 18 and 35 and aims to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development.
The programme officially commenced on March 17, 2026, with the onboarding of 75 participants.
Out of the initial intake, 42 women successfully completed the full training programme across two cohorts.
Participants received training in entrepreneurship, business start-up development, financial literacy, bookkeeping, customer care, and marketing.
The programme also provided practical vocational training in bead-making and the production of fashion accessories.
Trainees acquired hands-on skills in producing bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and waist beads.
Mali noted that the programme attracted about 80 applications, demonstrating strong interest among young women seeking economic opportunities.
Participants underwent intensive practical and business-oriented training designed to prepare them for entrepreneurship.
An assessment conducted two weeks after the completion of training revealed that 20 graduates had already established their own businesses.
Programme managers further reported that more than half of the trainees began generating income within two to three weeks of completing the course.
Mali described the outcome as one of the most remarkable achievements he has witnessed in his years of development work.
He said the programme had enabled beneficiaries to start enterprises, earn income, support their families, and contribute positively to their communities.
Many graduates have already begun producing and marketing handcrafted fashion accessories, creating new streams of income for themselves.
To ensure sustainability, GrowAfrica For Me continues to provide mentorship and coaching support to programme beneficiaries.
The support includes guidance in branding, customer engagement, product development, marketing, and business expansion.
Participant testimonials highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative on their lives and career prospects.
One beneficiary, Habiba Yakubu, said she gained valuable knowledge in customer care, marketing, and bead-making through the programme.
Another graduate, Juliana Lariba, credited the programme for improving her financial literacy, bookkeeping skills, and practical bead production techniques.
Buoyed by the success of the first two cohorts, GrowAfrica For Me is preparing to introduce a new training module focused on the production of reusable tote bags.
The initiative is expected to create additional business opportunities while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Despite its successes, the organisation faces financial challenges and has appealed to development partners, corporate institutions, philanthropists, and individuals to support the programme’s expansion.
Mali expressed confidence that with increased support, the SkillBuilders Programme would continue to empower more women and young people, contributing to economic growth, poverty reduction, and community transformation across the region.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Prosper Adankai
