100 construction businesses get support from RAINS, Plan International

A total of one hundred(100) entrepreneurs in the construction sector have received start-up tools to help them start and also boost their businesses.

The support is made up of Hammers, chisels spade, tape measure, pinch bars, levels, brushes, rollers, tile cutters, hand saws, block/jack planes, putty knives, welding machines, safety glasses, hand gloves, rubber boots, wooden floats, crowbars, masonry trowel, among others.

The initiative forms part of the Pathways for Sustainable Employment for Women and Youth (PASEWAY) project, implemented by the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS) in collaboration with Plan International Ghana and Plan International Germany funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Corporation and Development.

The Start-up tools are linked to the completion of mandatory six-month training on technical skills and a career guidance program by the beneficiaries.

They included 61 female and 39 male construct-preneurs and aimed at increasing youth access to employment in the construction sector in Ghana.

Globally, the issue of youth unemployment continues to pose a challenge to governments and development partners.

In Ghana, despite recent economic growth recorded, youth unemployment continues to persist, PASEWAY project, therefore, seeks to empower young people so that they can successfully find employment or set up their businesses in the construction sector.

The project is also expected to contribute to formal youth employment in decent work by 2023 and in fulfillment of SDG 8 which highlights decent work and economic growth.

It is being implemented in the Tamale Metropolitan and Sagnerigu Municipal areas, with a total of 1, 240 young people within the 15-35 age group beneficiaries.

The project area includes Tilling, Electrical, Plaster of Pari (POP), Plumbing, Aluminium & Glass Fabrication, Steel bending, Welding, and Carpentry.

In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Mohammed Kamel Damma, said the support for youth entrepreneurs was an important milestone towards the achievement of RAINS' strategic objective of “Diversifying Employment and Livelihoods options”.

He further added that the start-up package was one of the strategies employed by the project to better equip the youth to develop the knowledge, skills, and creativity needed to function effectively in the job market.

Madame Lardi Francisca Yabaani a beneficiary of PASEWAY and the start-up tools in an interview, expressed satisfaction with the support package.

She said “the support was timely; as it will enhance access to employment. I have lost job opportunities because of the lack of tools."

She was optimistic about the future following the support she has received, and thanked the donor (BMZ) and RAINS, for the tools.

About RAINS

Established in 1992 in Northern Ghana, the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS) is a national development and advocacy organization.

RAINS engages the government on policy reform matters and have a long history and experience in working with communities, other CSOs, and development agencies in Ghana.

Since its formation, the organization has focused on improving the quality of life, particularly for children and youth, women, and girls in Northern Ghana.

Over the years RAINS has contributed to ensuring that more girls in Northern Ghana are educated and protected from exploitation.