Fifty vulnerable girls have graduated following the completion of a three-month vocational training programme at the Madina Central Assemblies of God Church.
The training was under the Child Marriage, Trafficking and Exploitation (CMTE) initiative of AG Care Ghana which forms part of the organisation's 21st Lifeline Project.
The beneficiaries were trained in bakery, pastry making, pedicure, and manicure during the period.
The graduation ceremony was themed, "Empowerment through vocational skills: Transforming Lives – From Vulnerability to Vitality.”
The ceremony underscored the AG Care’s commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating vulnerable girls.
Ceremony
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Thursday September 26, 2024, the Executive Director of AG Care Ghana, Mr. Ernest Asigri, applauded the resilience and determination of the graduates adding that the young women, many of whom were victims or at risk of exploitation, are now equipped with practical skills to help secure their future and improve their livelihoods.
Mr. Asigri emphasised the alignment of AG Care’s mission with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth for all.
He however observed that AG Care now faces funding challenges, with its sole donor’s support set to end next year.
The National Coordinator for Joy Fellowship Assemblies of God, Mrs Gladys Akoto, who chaired the function, highlighted the significance of empowering girls to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Speakers
Other speakers at the event included the Board Chairman of AG Care, Evangelist Foster Afenyo, and the Regional Superintendent of Greater Accra East of the church, Rev. Andrews Nelson Awintia. They reiterated the need for continued support for vulnerable girls.
Background
Since 1998, the Lifeline Project has impacted over 2,000 girls, rescuing them from various forms of exploitation and equipping them with vocational skills.
AG Care is a non-governmental organisation established by the Assemblies of God, Ghana with the aim of eliminating poverty by addressing the material and social needs of the poor, vulnerable and the marginalised in the society.
Angela Sun-Ledi
AGTV