By Samuel SAM
World Vision Ghana (WVG), a Christian relief, development and advocacy organiation, has empowered over 50 vulnerable women along the White Volta River in the East Gonja district of Savannah Region through its Livelihood Improvement and Family Empowerment (LIFE) resilience programme. The four-day initiative aimed to enhance economic opportunities for these women, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their families’ well-being.
Participants received training in producing liquid soap, bar soap, detergents and pomades, along with equipment and materials to replicate these skills in their communities. The programme anticipates reaching about 2,000 vulnerable women with this training. Beneficiaries came from the Kpembe, Meriche, Kayeresom Adamupe and Mbawupe communities.
The training focused on equipping participants with essential skills, fostering community engagement and promoting self-reliance among vulnerable populations. In addition to skills training, the women were provided with assorted clothing and materials to support their new ventures.
Mr. Francis Gumah, Northern Regional Operations Manager-WVG, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to restoring livelihoods through relief efforts, noting that 25 percent of their budget – equivalent to US$150,000 – is dedicated to providing relief items. He highlighted the goal of helping households meet basic needs, enhance income and improve overall family welfare, particularly for children.
The LIFE resilience programme includes components such as Savings Transformation (ST), financial literacy and child protection to support women in starting and managing their businesses. To date, the programme has supported over 900 boys, 800 girls, 1,800 women and 1,000 men.
Facilitator Mad. Fuseina Kodimah praised the beneficiaries for their enthusiasm and readiness to learn, while Mad. Georgina Bado – a representative of the women – expressed gratitude for the skills training. She noted that the programme has provided valuable skills to generate alternative livelihoods and support their families.
