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The Ashanti Regional Chapter of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has launched an initiative to equip its members with innovation skills aimed at generating additional income beyond their regular salaries. This empowerment effort, unveiled during the International Youth Day celebration, focuses on integrating creativity into practical skills.
Mr. Prosper Takyi, Chairman of the GNAT Ashanti Chapter, articulated the vision behind this initiative, emphasizing the potential for teachers to leverage their spare hours outside the classroom. By engaging in innovative activities, particularly in the creative arts industry, teachers can diversify their income streams.
“The primary goal is to offer our members, especially the youth, opportunities to acquire new skills that can generate supplementary income. Teachers often have additional hours after their classroom responsibilities, and by learning these new skills, they can enhance their financial stability,” Mr. Takyi explained.
The initiative is also positioned as a preventive measure against youth unrest, particularly in light of the upcoming general elections. Mr. Takyi pointed out that engaging young people in productive activities, such as skill acquisition, can reduce the likelihood of their involvement in political violence and unrest.
As part of the training, GNAT members are being taught to make products such as shower gel, Nido, and liquid soap. These practical skills are designed to provide a source of income that complements their teaching careers. Mr. Takyi noted that while teaching alone may not make one a billionaire, these additional skills can significantly enhance financial well-being.
In interviews with members of the association, the response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. Members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain valuable skills that promise to bolster their income and offer financial security.
“This training is a great opportunity for us to develop new skills that not only supplement our income but also enrich our lives,” said one participant.
The International Youth Day celebration, themed “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” served as a platform for showcasing these new educational opportunities. The initiative underscores GNAT’s commitment to fostering professional and personal growth among its members while contributing to broader societal stability.
By Bismark Mensah (ABN)
