The Foundation for Integrated Strategic Training and Development (FISTRAD), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has graduated 16 apprentices after a three-year training programme in dressmaking.
The graduation ceremony attracted families, community leaders and well-wishers from far and near, who witnessed the achievement of their loved ones who acquired employable skills during the training period.
The graduates were awarded professional dressmaking certificates to enable them to establish their own fashion enterprises for a living.
FISTRAD established a training facility in Sandema in 1996 to train young people in weaving and dressmaking, with a library component stocked with books and computers for public use.
The ceremony, held at the premises of FISTRAD, marked a significant milestone not only for the graduates but also for the organization’s ongoing mission to strengthen the local garment and tailoring industries through structured, hands-on skills training.
Mr Richard Alando, Executive Director of FISTRAD, commended the apprentices for their perseverance and urged them to use the acquired skills not only to earn a living but also to train others to help bridge the unemployment gap among the youth in the area.
He said the graduation highlighted FISTRAD’s commitment to skills development as a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and community transformation in Builsa land and beyond.
Mr Alando announced that plans were underway to absorb the next cohort of apprentices and said applications for the 2026 admission were open to the public.
Mr Solomon Ansoabyie Akogti, Builsa North Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and Special Guest of Honour, congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the programme and acknowledged the effective partnership between the Assembly and FISTRAD.
He said such partnerships were critical in reducing unemployment, enhancing the artisanal industry within the Municipality, and stressed the importance of vocational training to boost economic growth in the area.
Mr Akogti wished the graduates well and encouraged them to continue to innovate and push the boundaries of creativity in their future careers.
Nab Akanfebanyuenta Asuik II, Chief of Wiaga and Chairman of the ceremony, commended FISTRAD’s contributions towards youth empowerment in the Builsa Traditional Area and beyond.
He called on stakeholders to support FISTRAD to address some of its pressing challenges to improve service delivery and further admonished the graduates to put their skills to good use for the benefit of others.
Some visibly excited graduates who spoke to journalists after the ceremony expressed gratitude to God, their relatives, and the staff and management of FISTRAD for the support and encouragement during their training period.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Photo caption: Group photo of the graduates and staff of FISTRAD after the ceremony.
