Thousands of children live on the streets of Kumasi, often ending up in drug trafficking or child prostitution. Many girls from the north of the country come to Kumasi hoping to find work as “kayayo”- carrying goods on their heads for market vendors. These children endure long, gruelling days and barely earn enough to survive. At night, they sleep outside, exposed to the constant risk of robbery or assault.
This was the reason behind building a Vocational Training Centre (VTC). The centre provides a safe space for young girls, offering a bed, food, sanitation and clothing. They also learn essential life skills such as cooking and personal care. In addition, they receive vocational training to become hairdressers or seamstresses, and they follow lessons in reading, writing, maths and business skills.
As of 2021, centre can host 40 tot 60 girls at a time. Each girl follows a two-year, full-time programme. After graduation, they are supported by a social worker who helps them find employment and housing – either independently or with their families.
Even after the project was completed in 2016, Vebego Foundation has remained in close contact with Sister Olivia. When it became clear that no building trips could take place in 202, the decision was made to continue supporting this initiative with a financial donation.
