In Ghana, in search of a better life, many young women migrate from rural areas to Kumasi, one of the country’s largest urban centres. But when they arrive in the city with no training or resources, they often find themselves in a highly vulnerable situation.

At the Sainte-Louise-de-Marillac Vocational Training Centre, the Daughters of Charity have, for several years, been taking in young women aged between 15 and 25 who are living on the streets, come from poor rural families, have dropped out of school, are orphans or come from broken homes, and are at risk of being forced into early marriage or exploitation.
They have the opportunity to acquire practical vocational skills (sewing, catering, hairdressing, the basics of entrepreneurship) and to learn to read and write. 

“We are improving access to education through literacy programmes that give them the confidence they need to express themselves, interact and build good relationships with others.” Sr. Gertrude

But the Centre’s support goes further than that: in this safe and caring environment, they can also grow in dignity, confidence and responsibility through personal development, psychosocial and spiritual support, and the development of life skills, to prepare them to lead a more independent and dignified life.

“For them, successfully completing their vocational training means much more than simply learning a trade: it is an opportunity to regain their confidence, gain independence and escape precarious circumstances for good.” Sr. Gertrude

The danger: dropping out of training

For some, a very real obstacle stands in the way of this path to independence: hunger and a lack of essential hygiene products.

“Due to a lack of resources, parents or guardians are not always able to provide their daughters with regular meals or essential hygiene products. As a result, some girls come to training sessions without having eaten enough. This makes it difficult for them to concentrate, actively follow the lessons and remain committed. Absenteeism is on the rise and, for some young women, there is a risk that they will drop out of their training before it is completed,” explains Sr. Gertrude

The project: Buying food and hygiene products

This project will enable young trainees to remain at the Centre and benefit from comprehensive support: learning a trade and preparing for their future.

The sisters will be able to provide trainees with at least one balanced meal a day during training hours. The hygiene kits will include, amongst other things, soap, sanitary towels, toothpaste, tissues and washing powder.

Food and hygiene products will be purchased in bulk to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability throughout the project. Distribution will take place over a period of six months.

The beneficiaries will be around 120 young female trainees attending the Centre who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They were identified through day-to-day interactions, absences, support sessions, interviews with parents and guardians, and home visits.

“It’s a very simple but essential form of support: if these young women are better fed and better equipped, they will be able to attend more regularly, concentrate better and complete their training.” Sr. Gertrude

If the project raises more than its goal, any excess funds received will be allocated to a similar project.