Stakeholders call for sustained adult literacy to empower women in Ghana

Calls for sustained investment in adult education are being made to empower more women with literacy and vocational skills. Stakeholders emphasize that literacy extends beyond reading and writing, equipping individuals to comprehend health information, manage finances, support their children's education, access government services, adopt technology, and make informed decisions.

“

Society likes to put age limitations on people, but this initiative has given women who did not have the opportunity to go to school when they were younger another chance to acquire education and skills.

These calls were made at a graduation ceremony organized by Women's Trust, an NGO that provides financial support to women. The event, held in Pokuase, Accra, saw the Chairman, Samuel Gyabah, commend Women's Trust for offering a second chance at education to women who missed formal schooling. "Society likes to put age limitations on people, but this initiative has given women who did not have the opportunity to go to school when they were younger another chance to acquire education and skills," he stated, congratulating the graduates on their new journey.

The Executive Director of Women's Trust, Kafui Duho, marked the organization's decade of transforming lives through literacy, learning, and empowerment. The "Akwanya" program, meaning "pathway," was founded on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to read, write, communicate confidently, and improve their quality of life. Over the past ten years, hundreds of adult learners have benefited, gaining literacy in English and local languages, developing confidence, and acquiring vocational skills that enhance their livelihoods.

“

Every progress begins with a step. We push people who make the effort. May God help you as you begin this new chapter.

Evans Ashaley, the Assembly Member for the Pokuase Electoral Area, praised Women's Trust for integrating education with vocational training. He noted that many women previously focused solely on trades without formal education. "This free training gives women the opportunity to learn, sew their own clothes, make beads and acquire other skills that provided a source of income for themselves and their families," he observed.

“

Over the past decade, hundreds of adult learners have walked through this pathway. They have gained literacy skills in English and local languages, developed confidence to engage more fully with their families and communities, and acquired practical vocational skills that have enhanced their livelihoods.

During a motivational address, facilitator Maxwell Boevi Adotei reminded the graduates that success proves it is never too late to learn. He recounted how some attendees initially struggled to sign their names or speak publicly, fearing they were too old for school. "Today you can read a letter, count your market money, fill forms at the hospital or bank and proudly say, 'I wrote this myself.' That is freedom," he declared, urging them to continue learning, teach others, and remain confident.

“

This free training gives women the opportunity to learn, sew their own clothes, make beads and acquire other skills that provided a source of income for themselves and their families.