Akronwe Tailors Appeal for Sewing Machines and Support to Train Youth, Warn Against Risks of Neglecting Apprentices
Tailors and seamstresses in Akronwe, a community in the Bosome Freho District of the Ashanti Region, have passionately appealed to government, philanthropists, and non-governmental organizations to support their local apprenticeship program with sewing machines and training materials to help empower the youth.
Speaking to the media in an interview, Mrs. Esther Yirenkyiwaa, the master trainer and founder of Estev Fashion in Akronwe, explained that despite the community’s desire to equip young people—especially girls—with practical skills in fashion design, their efforts are being hampered by the lack of basic logistics such as sewing machines and accessories.
Mrs. Yirenkyiwaa 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 forces them into inappropriate relationships in order to survive. “We need help with our feeding 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.
They are therefore calling on the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), and other stakeholders in youth development to pay attention to grassroots vocational training centers like the one in Akronwe and extend a helping hand to support their vision of skills development and empowerment.
