We plan to construct and open women-owned small businesses in our partner villages in rural Ghana this year. Each business will provide income for the owner, as well as an opportunity for two other young women to begin vocational training. By expanding local economic opportunities these businesses inspire young people to pursue educations, support gender equality, and reduce risky migrations to urban centers.
In our seven partner villages in rural Ghana, there are few economic opportunities beyond subsistence farming. Unfortunately, farmers face many challenges with changing rainfall and temperatures as well as soil degradation resulting in steadily declining yields and incomes. There are especially few educational and economic options for young women which has resulted in many girls migrating to urban centers where they face difficult circumstances.
Engage Globally's vocational training program offers young adults an opportunity to apprentice with regional businesses to learn a trade. Some graduates hope to open small businesses so that they can become trainers themselves. These new small businesses will generate incomes, inspire other young women, and create new placements for future trainees. The businesses also provide services for our other programs, such as sewing school uniforms, repairing bicycles, and weaving classroom rugs.
This project will provide income for four co-owners of small businesses, impacting over 25 family members. It will enable at least eight young adults to learn a new trade, each year. And, each business will provide services to our other education programs. Long-term, we anticipate these businesses will reduce dangerous migrations and continue to increase enrollment in our education and vocational training programs.
