Fifteen young ladies interested and passionate about fashion have benefitted from a skills training programme organised last weekend at Page Centre, Sakaman in Accra.

The two-day intensive training, aimed at enhancing the fashion skills of the ladies, was organised by Upward Motion Foundation (UMF), a youth-led nonprofit organisation in Ghana, with sponsorship from Suwaa Couture, a fashion brand in Ghana.

The young ladies had the opportunity to learn creative techniques in beading, cord applique, lace work, cup chain, and fabric manipulation that will take their designs to the next level.

In an interview with The Spectator, the founder of UMF, Ms Ubalda Mensah, a young, visionary lady passionate about girl’s empowerment and quality education, explained that many young people enter apprenticeship programmes to learn vocational skills but often have to pay extra to acquire the added competencies that truly set them apart. Hence, the goal of UMF is to bridge that gap.

“We aim to equip young women with advanced, practical skills that elevate the training they already have, empowering them to stand out confidently in their chosen fields and become exceptional in their craft,” she said.

Ms Mensah, who is also a ‘Diana Award Recipient’ and head of school for Trenor Training Institute, added that “this initiative falls under one of UMF’s flagship programmes, ‘The Girls’ Future,’ and is held once or twice each year. This is the third edition of the initiative and marks the second location of the Fashion Enhancement Project,” she added.

She thanked the participants for showing so much commitment in the training.

“These are skills people usually pay for, yet today, we are giving this training for free because we believe in your potential,” she noted, adding that “what you learn here can open doors, build confidence, and even create income opportunities.”

Ms Mensah also advised them to make the most of the skills they have acquired, practise consistently, for “I trust that you are capable of building something beautiful from the skills you develop today.”

A creative designer from Suwaa Couture, Ms Adriana Opoku, said, “We are truly excited to be part of this programme, and giving back in this way means a lot to us.”

According to her, fashion is a full industry with endless opportunities. “Even the skills being learnt this weekend alone can become a source of income, whether or not you know how to sew a full outfit yet. Take this seriously, keep practising, and don’t underestimate how far these skills can take you,” she emphasised.

Upward Motion Foundation is focused on empowering young girls, women, and children in rural communities through skills training, educational support, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

The first edition of the training was successfully delivered in Winneba last month. So far, 30 ladies have been trained in skills to enhance their fashion skills, with the next edition being planned to take place in Swedru. Further training will be organised for about 15 to 20 more ladies.

The Diana Award is an award given in honour of Princess Diana from the United Kingdom (UK) to young people all over the world who are championing change.

By Spectator Reporter

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