Overview
The International Child Development Programme (ICDP), in collaboration with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, has graduated 200 young mothers in Somanya after a comprehensive livelihood skills training. The initiative aims to equip these women with practical skills that can lead to sustainable income, improved family welfare, and stronger community resilience in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Program Reach and Partners
The graduates were drawn from the Somanya area and were selected to participate in a multi-month training program that covered a range of livelihood disciplines. The collaboration between ICDP and the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly underscores a shared commitment to empowering women at the community level, fostering economic self-reliance, and improving child development outcomes through stable household livelihoods.
Skills and Training Areas
Participants benefited from hands-on instruction across several market-relevant domains. Training tracks typically include basic business management, financial literacy, home-based food processing, cosmetics and personal care product making, craft and textile activities, and other income-generating activities suited to local markets. The program emphasizes practical applicability, enabling graduates to launch micro-enterprises or seek steady income opportunities while balancing family responsibilities.
Impact on Families and Communities
By providing these livelihood skills, the initiative seeks to reduce vulnerability among young mothers, enhance nutrition and living standards for their children, and create ripple effects that strengthen the broader community. When households gain economic stability, it often translates into better access to health care, education, and safe living environments for children—core aims of ICDP’s community-centered approach.
Voices from the Program
Program coordinators note that the graduates demonstrated resilience and a willingness to apply what they learned in real-world settings. Community leaders are optimistic about the sustained benefits of the training, expecting more women to engage in small-scale enterprises and contribute to local economic activity in the years ahead.
Next Steps and Sustainability
ICDP and the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly plan follow-up activities, including business mentoring, peer networking opportunities, and potential access to micro-credit facilities. The ongoing support aims to help graduates scale their initiatives, reach wider markets, and maintain momentum beyond the initial graduation period.
About the Partners
ICDP is a non-profit organization dedicated to child development and family empowerment through education and community-based programs. The Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly represents the local government authority responsible for development planning, service delivery, and community welfare in the Somanya area.
Conclusion
The graduation of 200 young mothers in Somanya marks a significant milestone in the joint effort to build resilient families and vibrant local economies. By equipping women with livelihood skills and linking training to practical opportunities, ICDP and its partners are investing in the social and economic fabric of the eastern Ghanaian community.
