Ghana Grows to support 90,000 tailors, dressmakers with skills

Springboard Road Show Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) to equip over 90,000 young women, men, and persons with disability (PWD) with the needed skills, personal and career development resources for them to thrive within the technical and vocational skills industry.

The initiative is part of the Ghana Grows Programme, a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and Springboard Road Show Foundation to support young people aged between 15 and 35, particularly women and PWDs, to find decent and viable jobs within the agriculture, agribusiness and Agriculture Technical Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) sectors.

The partnership aims to equip current and prospective members of the association and empower them to become more productive and resourceful individuals. 

The efforts focus on inspiring young GNTDA apprentices and Mastercraft persons to recognise the potential for growth and innovation within Ghana's TVET industry.

Reaching full potential

The Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, who signed the MoU on behalf of the foundation, told the Daily Graphic that the goal was to see every young tailor and dressmaker reach his or her full potential, not just for themselves but for their families and the country as a whole.

“Our joy is full when we are able to help young people thrive and become meaningful individuals with viable jobs contributing to the development of our nation,” she said.

Mrs Ocran explained that joining forces with GNTDA, Springboard, through the Ghana Grows Programme, would deepen awareness of the vast opportunities within the technical and vocational skills sector and provide all members with learning, mentoring and training opportunities as well as psychosocial support from professional counsellors.  

The Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation encouraged all Mastercraft persons and apprentices under GNTDA to be brought on board to participate in the programme and fully participate in all the interventions being rolled out nationwide.

Take advantage

The National President of GNTDA, Joana Eshun Mensah, who signed the MoU on behalf of the association, also encouraged members to take advantage of the support from the foundation.

“These kinds of opportunities only come once in a while. I entreat all members of GNTDA to utilise the opportunity from the Springboard Road Show Foundation to the fullest. I believe it will be beneficial to us all,” Mrs Mensah entreated.

For over 16 years, the Springboard Road Show Foundation has focused on investing in the skills and well-being of the youth.

In collaboration with its partners, including the Ghana TVET Service and over 100 others, the foundation aims to provide comprehensive support. 

About Ghana Grows

The Ghana Grows Programme is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and is being implemented by a consortium led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation.

Lyme Haus is a sub-implementing partner. Other technical partners are Axis Human Capital, Meraki Arts Africa, Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), Ghana Psychological Association (GPA), Young & Vibe, and the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE).