Mrs Esther Yirenkyiwaa, a Master seamstress and founder of the Estev Fashion, who made the appeal, said it was important for community support to train the youth with employable skills.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, she pointed out that, master trainers in the community have mounted a local apprenticeship training programme to empower young girl and boys in the area with skills and tailoring and seamstress.
They would, therefore, need the support of the government, philanthropists, and NGOs to support them with sewing machines and other training materials to help sustain the programme.
Mrs Yirenkyiwaa said in-spite of the efforts by the Master craftsmen in the community to equip young people, especially girls, with practical skills in fashion design, their efforts were being hampered by the lack of basic logistics such as sewing machines and accessories.
She took the opportunity to encourage the youth, particularly young girls, to embrace vocational training instead of spending time idly or engaging in unhealthy social behaviors.
“It is worrying to see many young girls wasting their time roaming around chasing after boyfriends, while they could be learning a skill that would secure their future.
We need to change this mindset,” she stressed.
She also made a passionate appeal to parents and guardians, urging them to treat children who are undergoing apprenticeship training with the same level of importance and care as those in formal education.
“It is very sad that some parents provide everything for their children in school but neglect those learning a trade.
Both paths are equally important.
We must support all of them equally,” she added.
Some of the apprentices, mostly young girls, also shared their challenges.
They revealed that lack of financial support from home sometimes forced them into inappropriate relationships to survive.
“We need help with our food and transportation.
Sometimes, we come to the shop on empty stomachs, and it affects our concentration.
That is why we’re pleading with the government and parents to support us,” one apprentice stated.
The call for assistance highlights the critical role vocational training plays in addressing youth unemployment and reducing social vices in rural communities.
The Akronwe Tailors believe that with the right support, especially the provision of sewing machines, startup tools, and mentorship, they can train more youth and help break the cycle of poverty and dependency in the area.
GNA
