A total of fifty-four (54) young girls selected from the eighteen (18) constituencies of the Volta Region have been supported with sewing machines and hairdryers to begin their apprenticeship journey with their mistresses in their various communities across the region. The gesture was made possible for the girls by the Volta Regional Women Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Delphia Fafa Agbai at a colorful ceremony at Ho.
The three ladies from each constituency were accompanied to the well-attended event by the various Constituency Women Organizers of the party.
The event which formed part of activities to mark the birthday celebration of the Regional Women Organizer, attracted a number of dignitaries from far and near including the National School Feeding Co-ordinator, Hon. Hajia Fati Forgor who was the Guest of Honour at the programme. The birthday occasion of Hon. Delphia Fafa Agbai has always been to use the opportunity to touch the lives of the poor and needy in the society through such gestures.
Also present at the event were the Regional Vice Chairman and Acting Regional Secretary of the NDC, Messrs Egypt Korbla Kudoto and Bright Egle respectively. The Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Madam Thywill Eyra Kpe as well as other women leaders and supporters of the party in the region were also in attendance.
The ceremony which was the first of its kind in the region after the 2024 general elections, was under the theme, ‘Empowering Vulnerable Young Women through Skills and Self-Reliance’.
Speaking at the programme, the celebrant and philanthropist, Hon Delphia Fafa Agbai used the occasion to pay tribute to many individuals and organizations who have been her inspiration over the years in her social and political journey as a leader.
She noted that as women leaders, a lot of challenges militate against their development, encouraging her colleague Constituency Women Organizers not to relent in their efforts and commitment but instead pursue honesty, transparency, hardwork and perseverance in all their undertakings.
The Regional Women Organizer commended the beneficiaries for the opportunity and urged them to use the equipment to achieve the needed knowledge and skills that would eventually transform their lives for the better. Hon. Agbai also urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate humility and selflessness during and after their apprenticeship period, emphasizing that the values of humility, honesty and discipline should be their guiding principles.
The National School Feeding Co-ordinator, Hon. Hajia Fati Forgor reminded the beneficiaries to count themselves lucky to benefit from the gesture. She also urged them to remain steadfast and committed to their dreams, goals and aspirations.
Touching on the school feeding programme, Hon. Forgor disclosed that plans are far advanced to organize training sessions for the actual cooks in the school feeding space so as to help improve the food quality and also ensure good hygiene practices in their cooking environments.
The Co-ordinator said the school feeding programme has come to stay and called on the Women Organizers not only to unite but also support government to ensure the successful implementation of the programme. She assured the Women Organizers of her outfit’s commitment to improving their lot, adding that all she needs from them is the support, encouragement and effective monitoring of the programme to achieve its intended purposes.
The Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Madam Thywill Eyra Kpe stressed the need for the beneficiaries to pursue higher educational programmes to better their lot including outlook. According to her, women empowerment goes beyond the receipt of the start-up capital and equipment, urging the young girls to aspire to greater heights in life.
Madam Kpe regretted that a lot of women are not found in major decision making spaces in the region. She therefore called for a paradigm shift in this regard and urged the Women Organizers to lead the way by vigorously pursuing any opportunities that would change their level of knowledge, skills and horizons.
Madam Kpe lauded the Regional Women Organizer form the gesture, describing it as a true mark of a leader and mother in the region.
The Regional Vice Chairman ad Acting Regional Secretary of the party also praised the untiring efforts of their colleague Women Organizer, saying the gesture would go a long way to impact several other lives in the rural communities of the region. Messrs Egypt Korbla Kudoto and Bright Egle added that the initiative would also galvanize more support for the base of the party in the region.
The beneficiaries used the opportunity to thank Hon. Fafa Agbai for the gesture, promising that they would work hard to justify the investment being made in them.
As part of the birthday celebration, a cake was jointly cut by the Regional Women Organizer with support from the Guest of Honour and the dignitaries. Local drinks such as aliha, sobolo as well as pastries such as spring rolls, samosa and cake were served the guests and everyone present at the event.
A Fashion Lecturer at the Ho Technical University, Madam Patience Dedume chaired the function.
Story: Benjamin Makafui Attipo
