Empowering Young Mothers Through Livelihood Skills
In a bid to strengthen economic prospects for young families, the International Child Development Programme (ICDP), in collaboration with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, has successfully trained and graduated 200 young mothers in Somanya, located in the Eastern Region. The program focused on practical livelihood skills designed to boost income, improve household stability, and foster broader community development.
The initiative reflects a growing commitment to supporting young women who balance parenting with aspirations for economic independence. Through structured training in market-relevant crafts and trades, the participants gained hands-on experience that can lead to sustainable income streams and enhanced self-reliance. The graduation ceremony, attended by local officials, social workers, and program coordinators, highlighted the tangible outcomes of the training and the resilience of the graduates.
About the ICDP and Its Local Partnership
The International Child Development Programme has a long-standing history of supporting child welfare and family development through community-driven approaches. In Somanya, the collaboration with the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly provided the logistical support, resource allocation, and mentorship necessary to scale the program. The partnership underscores how local government bodies can play a pivotal role in capacity-building initiatives that empower young women to contribute to their households and communities.
Skills Taught and Their Economic Impact
The training encompassed a range of livelihood skills, tailored to the local market and the graduates’ interests. Key areas included skill-based trades, small business management, entrepreneurship basics, financial literacy, and customer service. By combining practical training with business fundamentals, the program aims to ensure graduates can start micro-enterprises, monetize crafts, or secure better employment opportunities beyond the home environment.
Participants reported improved confidence, a clearer pathway to economic independence, and a stronger support network among peers. The skills imparted are compatible with the local economy in Somanya and the broader Eastern Region, enabling graduates to scale their efforts with minimal external capital. This approach aligns with broader development goals that link education, health, and economic wellbeing for women and families.
Community and Government Support
Local officials from the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly spoke at the ceremony, praising the graduates for seizing opportunity and for showing commitment to personal and communal growth. Stakeholders emphasized that such livelihood training could reduce vulnerability in households and contribute to better health and nutrition outcomes for children, by increasing household income and stability.
The program also highlighted the importance of ongoing mentorship and market access. Graduates were connected with potential buyers, cooperatives, and small-scale lenders to help them commercialize their new skills. Continued follow-up and refresher sessions are planned to reinforce learning, address challenges, and ensure long-term success.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
With 200 graduates now equipped with viable livelihood skills, the ICDP and its partners are exploring ways to expand the program to additional communities within the region. Prospective steps include establishing a local alumni network, facilitating joint ventures among graduates, and creating partnerships with NGOs and private sector stakeholders to broaden market access.
Why This Initiative Matters
Programs that empower young mothers with income-generating skills address multiple development goals: reducing poverty, improving child welfare, and promoting gender equity. When mothers gain financial autonomy, they are more capable of providing for their children’s health, education, and overall well-being. The Somanya graduation demonstrates how targeted, locally supported training can yield meaningful, measurable improvements in families and communities.
As the 200 graduates begin implementing their new skills, community leaders, families, and regional authorities will be watching closely to assess long-term impact. The ICDP and its partners remain committed to refining the program, expanding access, and nurturing the next generation of skilled, empowered young women in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
