Ningo Prampram MP sponsors over 65 people in soap and bead making
Over 65 people in the Ningo Prampram Constituency have been trained in soap and bead making at a skills acquisition workshop organised by Dzifa Gray Empowers in Partnership with the Member Of Parliament For Ningo Prampram Constituency, Sam Nartey George.
The aim of the workshop was to equip participants to create jobs and be self-employed to support themselves and their families.
Participants trained in the bead making skills had a two-day program, while those in soap making completed the training within a day.
The programme was held from 21 March to 22 March 2022.
At the event, Mr Sam George implored the participants to take the training seriously and implement what they had learned to benefit society.
“We have realised a certain skill deficit between the formal and informal educational economy in the constituency. In the formal sector, we have put over 200 people in the university and paid their fees, but we realised that not everybody could make it to the university, and there are many others that we have decided to provide employable skills to support their lives. This will be the first of many trainings for persons in the constituency,” he noted.
The founder of Dzifa Gray Empowers, Ms Dzifa Gray, also expressed appreciation to Sam Nartey George and his office for agreeing to partner with her organization on the life-changing project.
She advised the participants to take advantage of such programs, which will change their lives for good.
Besides the training, Dzifa Gray Empowers and Mr Sam George donated 2000 pieces of sanitary pads to young girls in two schools in the constituency – Prampram Senior High School and Ningo Senior High Technical School.
The purpose of the donation was to help adolescent girls in these schools have access to essential products that will help improve their menstrual health and prevent them from staying home during their periods.
Some girls miss up to 20% of classes, thereby increasing the likelihood of dropping out of school entirely.
The Dzifa Gray Empowers Foundation is looking forward to making this donation of sanitary pads to young girls in schools and deprived communities monthly to improve access to education for girls.
They also engaged the students in mental health discussions to prepare them to handle the challenges associated with adulthood.
According to Ms Dzifa Gray, “Many students struggle with mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. However, only a small percentage (10–15 per cent on average) of these students seek services at their counselling centres. Instead, they continue to struggle, which can have a substantial impact on their academic performance.”
She added that the disconnect requires schools to rethink their approach to supporting students with mental health concerns, as for some, early intervention may avert the need for professional help.
The Dzifa Gray Empowers team will revisit the schools’ campuses with professionals to counsel the students.