Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans is helping to reduce the spate of social vices in Asante Akyem following the launch of its 3-year Youth Apprenticeship program.
Local leaders have expressed worry over the growing number of the youth involved in social misdemeanors owing to the high rate of unemployment.
Through its apprentice program, the financial institution will expose vulnerable youth with practical, employable skills, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute positively to society.
A total of 200 young individuals in the Asante Akyem district have been enrolled in the program, where they will receive hands-on training in a trade of their choice.
Sinapi Aba will fully cover the cost of their apprenticeship, removing financial barriers that often prevent youth from acquiring vocational skills.
YAP programmes coordinator, Margaret Owusu, indicated that the program not only provides technical training but also instills discipline and work ethics essential for long-term success in their chosen careers.
“Since 2005 the YAP project has created avenues for entrepreneurs through this initiative
Our goal is to reduce youth unemployment in Ghana
So far over 5,000 youths in 13 regions have benefited from this project” she noted.
During the launch event, Mrs. Theodosia Jackson, Founder of Jackson College of Education and a board member of Sinapi Aba, urged the trainees to take full advantage of this opportunity.
She emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, encouraging them to remain committed to their training.
She also called on key stakeholders—trade masters, parents, and community leaders—to actively support the trainees in their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Traditional leaders present at the event, held in both Konongo and Agogo, expressed their concern over the increasing involvement of youth in social vices.
They commended Sinapi Aba for this timely intervention, highlighting its potential to steer young people toward productive and meaningful careers.
Sinapi Aba has been running this apprenticeship program for over a decade, successfully training more than 5,000 vulnerable youth across Ghana.
Through such initiatives, the institution continues to play a pivotal role in addressing unemployment and empowering young individuals to become self-reliant members of society.
Some beneficiaries expressed their optimism over the positive change the program would attract to their lives.
Mary Thomas, a beneficiary noted “The YAP initiative will help me become independent and also l plan to train other unemployed youths in my community “.
Another said, “it has always been my dream to become a fashion designer and the believe the YAP project will me achieve my dreams”.