Twenty-eight beneficiaries of the Berean Assemblies of God Child and Youth Development Centre under Compassion Ghana have successfully graduated after completing various vocational and skills training programmes at Enyan Denkyira in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region.
The graduates, who joined the Compassion Ghana intervention programme as children more than two decades ago, have been nurtured, mentored, and supported throughout their educational journey before being trained in different vocational and entrepreneurial skills based on their talents and interests.
The graduation ceremony brought together church leaders, parents, community members, and officials of Compassion Ghana to celebrate what organisers described as another milestone in transforming the lives of vulnerable children into self-reliant adults.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Programme Director, Madam Wilhelmina Moses Appiah, explained that Compassion Ghana’s core mission is to support vulnerable children from childhood into adulthood through education, mentorship, and vocational empowerment.
According to her, the organisation has over the years invested heavily in the development of the beneficiaries by providing educational support and practical skills training aimed at helping them secure sustainable livelihoods.
She disclosed that while some of the beneficiaries have gained admission into various tertiary institutions, others have successfully completed training in trades such as dressmaking, hairdressing, carpentry, catering, and other vocational fields.
Madam Wilhelmina further revealed that the organisation had provided the graduates with tools, machines, and start-up equipment to enable them establish their own businesses and become financially independent.
She urged the graduates to make good use of the knowledge and equipment provided to them and avoid engaging in activities that could undermine their future aspirations.
“We believe these tools and machines will help you build a better future for yourselves and your families. Make good use of them and become responsible citizens who will positively impact society,” she advised.
Addressing the graduates, the Pastor in charge of the Berean Assemblies of God Child and Youth Development Centre, Rev. Thomson Gyambra, cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the vocational equipment that had been freely given to them.
According to him, the items were not merely gifts but tools meant to help the graduates establish businesses, create employment opportunities, and improve their living conditions.
Rev. Gyambra also challenged the perception that vocational and technical education is meant for individuals who are academically weak.
He stressed that vocational skills training has become a major avenue for job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, especially at a time when unemployment remains a major challenge in the country.
“Technical and vocational education should not be looked down upon. Skills training can transform lives and create opportunities for young people to become economically independent,” he stated.
The pastor further appealed to the government, corporate organisations, non-governmental institutions, and philanthropists to continue supporting organisations such as Compassion Ghana in their efforts to care for needy and vulnerable children, particularly those living on the streets.
Some of the beneficiaries, who could not hide their excitement, expressed gratitude to Compassion Ghana and the Berean Assemblies of God Child and Youth Development Centre for the support they had received over the years.
They promised to use the equipment responsibly and pledged to train other young people within their communities in order to help reduce poverty, unemployment, and social hardship.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of certificates and vocational equipment to the graduates, symbolising a new chapter in their lives and reaffirming Compassion Ghana’s commitment to empowering young people to become productive and self-reliant citizens.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
