\xa0By Evelyn Deladem ANSI
In October 2023, Nurturing Dreams Ghana (NDG) brought public focus to the increasing challenges of youth vulnerability and falling academic performance in areas near the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The report revealed distressing statistics: children struggling academically, growing up without their natural parents, and falling victim to criminal groups, drug use, and abuse. Afterward, NDG is not only sounding warnings—but creating solutions via the Sweet-Scented Life Project.
The answer - Hope, Abilities, and a New Perspective for Young People
NDG is currently implementing a trial initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship, providing instruction to 20 recent Junior High School graduates—10 females and 10 males—from Kotei and Ayeduase RC. The program centers on manufacturing leather sandals, belts, and school shoes in accordance with the standards set by the Ghana Education Service (GES).
In addition to learning new skills, the project exposes these young individuals to social entrepreneurship—inspiring them to promote their products among classmates and students from other schools, as well as providing mentors with a chance to influence their lives.
In a remarkable demonstration of institutional backing, NDG contacted departments at KNUST to secure a venue for interacting with JHS graduates, and the Department of Communication Design, led by Rev. Dr. Adam Rahman, replied on the same day.
Their quick support confirmed that promoting creative, practical opportunities for underprivileged young people is not merely an act of charity—but a fundamental principle and societal duty. “This is the kind of initiative that embodies our values,” said Rev. Dr. Rahman. “Design thinking, innovation, and social change—all combined.”
The Indigenous Arts and Technology Department (DIAT), led by Dr. Vincentia Okpattah Womegah, also permitted the children to enter their Leather Craft studio and provided assistance from experienced teaching aides to continue training the NDG mentees when the primary instructor was not present.
Sagacity, motivation, and scholarly collaboration
The initial session featured motivational messages from notable visitors. Professor Ibok Nsa Oduro, the first female Provost of the KNUST College of Science, encouraged the participants to seize this chance with determination and strength. "Strive for the top," she remarked. "The bottom is already too full."
Also in attendance was Diana Bempong Ampomah, Esq., NDG Board Secretary and community educator, who urged the trainees to embrace a sense of accountability: "Real assistance is what persists even after the helper has left. May this training ignite a lifelong commitment to impactful work," she remarked.
These are students who might have been tempted towards minor crimes or negative actions during this idle time after school," says Evelyn Deladem Ansi, Impact Lead at NDG. "We are demonstrating to them that their hands can produce value—and their worth can shape their future.
The program goes beyond technical skills—it brings about a deep transformation. With the help of mentors, activities focused on developing character, and advice on business growth, participants are motivated to sell their products to fellow students and other institutions, transforming them into entrepreneurs at the same level as their peers.
Overseeing the training is Mr. Samuel Yeboah, a security officer and skilled shoemaker whose personal journey deeply touched the participants. Having once been part of a vigilante group, Mr. Yeboah recounted how his involvement in violence and disorder ultimately brought only sorrow. It was the shoemaking skill he acquired during his younger years that eventually became his saving grace. "I spent so many years pursuing things that didn't last. This trade rescued me. I'm here so you don't make the same errors," he said to the students. "Now I craft shoes for my friends and they really appreciate them. I never thought I could do this," mentions a 15-year-old girl from Kotei.
Increasing opportunities from a trial initiative
NDG hopes this pilot initiative will evolve into an annual, youth-driven school uniform supplement model, with additional off-takers signing agreements. As each group completes the training, they go back to their schools with pride, a clear sense of purpose, and a product to sell—ending the cycle of reliance and criminal behavior. This builds upon NDG's previous efforts in residential behavioral camps and education promotion, now adopting a social business strategy for empowering young people.
From flyer to route – A vision that can expand
Only a few weeks back, these individuals were graduates of Junior High School, unsure about what lay ahead. Now, they have become leather craftsmen, business owners, and champions of change within their schools and neighborhoods. At NDG, we hold the belief that merely providing skills is insufficient—we offer dignity, purpose, and a new future. “Therefore, as we present their creations—these beautifully made sandals, belts, and shoes—let us keep in mind: this goes beyond fashion or craftsmanship. It represents the quieting of crime, the transformation of idleness into innovation, and the conversion of vulnerability into worth,” states Mr. Samuel Ansi Jnr, Project Manager at Nurturing Dreams Ghana.
We appreciate each parent, partner, trainer, and friend who has contributed to this achievement. The path has only just started, and we will keep going until hope is the standard for every child in our neighborhoods.
A message to interested parties – Be part of the initiative
NDG is urging schools, parents, corporate partners, and government officials to back this transformative initiative. Educational institutions and families are invited to purchase GES-endorsed sandals and belts from these young entrepreneurs. Companies have the opportunity to finance additional groups or provide leather and equipment. The goal is ambitious: to turn Ghana's most disadvantaged children into self-assured innovators, entrepreneurial individuals, and sources of inspiration within their neighborhoods.
For sponsorship opportunities, school orders, or to visit the NDG Halfway House-Training center, reach out to: +233 545 920850, visit our website at nurturingdreamsgh.com. You are welcome to send an email throughnurturingdreamsgh@gmail.com.
The writer is a dedicated social entrepreneur who has spent more than ten years improving the lives of at-risk teenagers and women by offering training focused on character development and skill-building. As a journalist and public relations professional, she has effectively applied business strategies to empower, motivate, and prepare young individuals, helping them gain vocational abilities, strong character, and proficiency.
Evelyn has influenced thousands of young individuals, particularly as the former Head of Public Relations at a senior high school. Through her organization, Nurturing Dreams Ghana (NDG), she has introduced Mindset Education to students in partnership with several TVET schools. Evelyn also held a three-year position as Secretary for the Ashanti Regional Business Committee (RBC), where she played a key role in the successful execution of the MasterCard Foundation’s Young African Works (YAW) project. This program enabled 3,000 young women to obtain respectful employment as part of the RBC's joint initiatives. Evelyn dreams of a future where young people, especially those vulnerable to going off track, are guided toward meaningful, dignified, and job-ready careers in an ever more competitive job market.
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