NYC takes over Abura Vocational Institute

Abura (W/R), Jul 03, GNA - Products of the country's technical and vocational schools and polytechnics have been urged to establish their own businesses.

This would reduce the number of people searching for work and enable them to contribute their quota towards national development. Mr. Joseph B. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, said these at the third passing out and handing over ceremony of the Abura Vocational Institute at Abura in the Ahanta West District, on Thursday.

He said the over dependence on "white collar jobs" would not assist the country to develop its full potentials.

Mr. Aidoo called for the promotion of technical and vocational education to prepare the manpower base for small and medium scale industries.

He advised the graduates to put their skills to good use and to avoid lifestyles that could expose them to diseases.

Mr. Samuel Asare, National Director of the World Vision International (WVI) Ghana, said the organisation has provided equipment worth 275 million cedis for graduates of the Institute.

They include hair dryers, sewing machines, catering equipment and electrical tools.

He said the WVI started the school about five years ago through its Youth In Employment (YIE) programme.

Mr. Joe Mantey, National Coordinator of the NYC, said the taking over of the Institute by the NYC was not meant to deprive the WVI of its project but to manage it since the organisation would end its activities in September 2005.

He said the school would be converted into a centre of excellence for the youth and appealed to parents to support it by paying some "modest" fees. 03 Jul 04