NGO rolls out decade-long youth jobs plan to curb streetism
A non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to rehabilitating street children, Future of Africa Foundation (FOA), has unveiled a 10-year plan to create employment opportunities for thousands of young people while curbing the growing menace of streetism in the country.
The Founder and President of the organisation, Torwomenye Kwasi Mawuli Azaglo, explained that the initiative would be driven by a network of youth-focused microenterprises designed to economically empower the youth by combining training with income generation.
He was speaking at the launch of one of such enterprises - Norviwo Natural Hair Studio - a fully equipped training and professional space for hair braiding and barbering in Accra last Saturday.
“Today is not just about opening a new space—it’s about seeing a vision come to life. We’re building meaningful pathways for former street youth to gain stability, transform their lives and contribute to society,” Mr Azaglo said.
Training hub
The studio, which also features a furniture fabrication shop, forms part of a hub of small-scale businesses designed to provide practical, marketable skills to disadvantaged young people.
The facility was made possible through the support of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana under its FutureMakers initiative, which provided funding for tools, supplies and training.
Over the coming year, the hub plans to expand into dressmaking, embroidery, screen printing, and multimedia production such as podcasting, video and music.
These ventures will not only equip young people with hands-on skills but also generate income to sustain the programme, reducing dependence on donors.
The event also celebrated two young people who had completed the programme and transitioned into work and independent living, while nine others — three girls and six boys — were welcomed into FOA’s care.
Rehabilitation
Mr Azaglo further explained that the strategy was designed to link rehabilitation with employability.
Support, partnership
A Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, Tuyee Yeboah, representing the minister, pledged the government’s support.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, Mansa Nettey, said the partnership with the NGO reflected the bank’s commitment to youth empowerment.
