The Sinapi Aba Trust CEO, Owusu-Dabo, says the organisation has trained more than 5,000 young people through its Youth Apprenticeship Programme, creating employment opportunities and transforming thousands of lives across Ghana.
Speaking at the Tamale Youth Apprenticeship graduation ceremony, she disclosed that more than 90 graduates have already transitioned into employment, while many others have started their own businesses.
According to her, the ripple effect of the programme has gone far beyond the beneficiaries, indirectly impacting over 50,000 people across the country.
“We are proud to note that this initiative is creating tangible opportunities for income generation, strengthening resilience and positioning disadvantaged young people for long-term economic participation,” Mrs Owusu-Dabo said.
She also announced that 150 graduates from the Northern Region have completed training under the programme and are now equipped with practical skills to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“Today, I am happy to announce that a number of you are now trade masters and are training other youth. Some of you have become breadwinners for your families, and others are serving in various capacities across the country,” she said.
Mrs Owusu-Dabo expressed gratitude to Opportunity International Germany for its continued support of the programme.
“At this point, I want to applaud our strategic partner OI Germany for standing by us in achieving this goal,” she added.
The Executive Director of Opportunity International Deutschland (OID), Victoria Zwerschke, said the organisation’s mission is to empower people to build dignified and self-determined lives through entrepreneurship and education.
“At OID, our mission is simple, yet powerful. Through entrepreneurial opportunities and education, we enable people to build dignified and self-determined lives. This is not just what we do, it is why we exist,” she said.
She also thanked several partners who supported the initiative, including the German government through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, Opportunity International Switzerland, and foundations and private individuals in Germany.
“We could not have done this work alone. Our partnership with the German government makes it possible. Together we invest in future, not charity. We invest in dignity, not dependency,” she noted.
Ms Zwerschke praised Sinapi Aba Trust for its long-standing partnership with her organisation.
“From our earliest days, Sinapi Aba Trust has been a vital partner. For over 21 years, we have worked together to implement projects across Ghana,” she said.
She added that Opportunity International Germany was honoured to be part of the Tamale Youth Apprenticeship graduation ceremony.
Congratulating the graduates, she said the programme had lived up to its promise of transforming lives.
“When we launched this program, we knew it would change lives. Today, we see that promise fulfilled,” she said.
Some of the graduates also shared how the skills they acquired through the programme have helped transform their lives and enabled them to support their families.
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