The inaugural batch of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme has graduated, marking a significant milestone in the quest to empower head porters, commonly known as Kayayei.
The graduation comes nearly a month after Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia launched the Kayaye hostel and skills training program in Madina, aimed at equipping Kayayei with vocational skills to improve their livelihoods.
The first cohort of trainees successfully completed courses in Makeup Artistry, Pedicure and Manicure, Decor, Soaps and Detergents, Baking, and Beading. To support their entrepreneurial journey, each graduate received starter packs and micro-grants to establish their own businesses.
As news of the graduation spread, social media users shared their thoughts:
“I said it before, and I’ll say it again – this country is God’s comedy channel! The VP is promoting Kayayei work, yet many tribes come to Accra and don’t do this work. People from the North should advise their people to take on other ventures, not head-potters,” wrote one user.
Another user praised the initiative, saying, “Politics aside, this is a good initiative for them to learn new skills to better their lives instead of doing Kayeyi.”
However, some users expressed skepticism, questioning the duration of the training and whether the graduates were adequately equipped to start their own businesses. “How long does apprenticeship take for such skills? 3 weeks? Make up artist in a month? How?” asked one user.
Others raised concerns about the potential political motivations behind the program and the challenges the graduates might face in setting up their businesses. “I hope they’re not using them for their political agendas. Honestly, this hostel already looks like a building built in 2001,” commented one user.
Despite the mixed reactions, the graduates remain optimistic about their future. As one graduate expressed, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to start my own business and improve my life.”
The Kayayei Empowerment Programme aims to empower head porters with vocational skills, enhancing their economic prospects and providing a sustainable source of income.
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The first batch of the Kayayei Empowerment Programme has graduated nearly a month after the Vice President launched a Kayaye hostel and skills training program in Madina for Kayayeis.
They graduated after being trained in Makeup Artistry, Pedicure and Manicure, Decor, Soaps and… pic.twitter.com/NjEjGEVTb7
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) June 21, 2024
