United Way Ghana has announced a partnership with the P&G Alumni Foundation to diversify livelihood opportunities and support financial stability for farmers and fisher-folk at Senya Beraku in the Central Region of Ghana.
The focus of the project is to build the capacity of beneficiaries to establish and manage supplementary businesses in bee-keeping and other vocations – including production of tie and dye fabric, soap, pomade, hand-sanitiser and face masks. The intention is to support income generation and ease the economic burden from dwindling fish stocks and low farm yields. Low rainfall and use of fishing trawlers have negatively impacted the income of farmers and fisher-folk in the community.
United Way Ghana, a trusted non-profit organisation, will bring its local expertise and community experience in similar bee-keeping and vocational training projects to this partnership.
“We believe this project is a significant catalyst for economic empowerment. If the businesses that are formed from this project are managed well by beneficiaries, it will provide a pathway out of poverty and act as an engine for growth for the people of Senya Beraku,” said Janet L. Butler, acting Executive Director of United Way Ghana.
As one of the communities with a high poverty rate in the Central Region, the intervention also addresses child labour and trafficking – as well as financial hardship compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has added increased pressure to provide food and healthcare to already struggling families.
This project is funded by a grant from the P&G Alumni Foundation. In line with the P&G Alumni Foundation’s mission, the project aims to increase income stability and livelihoods for the most marginalised members of society, including rural farmers and fishermen.
“Creating economic opportunities for people through training, business skills and entrepreneurial support has never been more critical. This project will not only produce life-changing results for individuals and families, but also help boost the local economy and development in Senya Beraku,” said Sarah Woods, Executive Director of the P&G Alumni Foundation.
Set to begin in May 2021, the initiative will benefit over 40 residents at Senya Beraku in the Awutu-Senya district. The partnership will also educate beneficiaries on financial literacy and business management to help sustain their new trade for the long-term.
The community-led partnership by United Way Ghana and P&G Alumni Foundation is supported by Engage Now Africa, Lead Afrique International, Cheerful Hearts Foundation, Community Leaders and the District Assembly office.
