Our Library and Vocational Center

Community Library – Empowering Through Literacy

In 2022, Akwaaba Volunteers proudly opened our Community Library in Labadi, responding to a pressing need we observed in our community. With a very low level of literacy across local schools, we wanted to provide children with a resource to improve their reading skills while also creating a safe, welcoming space where they could spend time after school and on weekends.

The library has become a hub for young learners, and it’s been incredible to see the positive impact it’s had. We currently have 250 young people registered to borrow books, and children visit the library every day to read and enjoy a quiet place to study. The library is helping foster a love of reading, improving literacy skills, and supporting academic growth, all while providing a space for children to engage with their peers in a positive and productive environment.

Vocational Center – Creating Opportunities for the Future

Our Vocational Center is another vital part of our mission to support young people in our community. The center focuses on providing practical skills training to those who may not have access to formal education due to financial or other barriers and empowering girls. Through our vocational programs, we offer hands-on learning opportunities in various trades, including:

• Sewing and Tailoring
• Hairdressing

Investing in Girls: A Pathway to Independence

Investing in girls is investing in the future. “Investing in their today is investing in our tomorrow.”

At our Vocational Center, we are providing girls with the opportunity to learn valuable skills that can change the course of their lives. Currently, we have 12 girls aged 15 and above learning sewing. They begin with basic needle and thread work and gradually progress to using a sewing machine. These girls are learning to make clothes, school uniforms, and bags for children in our other projects, giving them practical skills while also contributing to our community.

Once the girls have gained sufficient experience, we support them in creating their own small businesses, helping them to sell their creations and become financially independent. By learning sewing, these girls not only gain a trade but also the confidence and tools to build a sustainable future.

Hairdressing Center – Building Confidence and Opportunities

Our Hairdressing Center provides another set of important skills for young girls. Currently, we have 2 full-time apprentices who are learning the craft of hairdressing, alongside 10 girls who are still in school but come to the center on weekends to learn the trade.

These skills are in high demand, and by teaching girls how to style and care for hair, we’re opening doors for them to start their own businesses or find employment in a thriving industry. The hairdressing center also provides a safe space for these girls to gather, learn, and connect in a positive environment.

By offering these vocational training opportunities, we are keeping girls off the streets and helping them develop skills they can use for life. In doing so, we are not only supporting their personal growth but also contributing to the well-being of the wider community, creating a safe space for learning, and providing a pathway out of poverty.