Work begins on SDA Church vocational training school construction

The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church last Wednesday cut sod for the construction of a $312,000 vocational training school at Effiduase in the New Juaben North Municipality to address youth unemployment.

The project, funded by the Global Mission Impact Fund of the General Conference of the SDA Church with support from the East Ghana Conference, the South Ghana Union Conference, and WAD, is expected to be completed by the end of July.

Dubbed ‘Breaking the poverty cycle’, the facility is designed to train more than 3,000 community members and promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

In his address, Pastor Prof. Owalabi Oyeleke Alabi said the project was mission-oriented and represents the church’s way of giving back to society.

Pastor Prof. Alabi called on leaders to uphold accountability, transparency, and honesty so that “the glory of the Lord will be seen in the community.”

He also advised the youth not to let their current circumstances determine their future.

“If you cannot change the living conditions and situation through government, be part of governance. Through your effort, change the future of any community or country you find yourself in,” he said.

The Project Coordinator, Elder Enoch Agyei-Darko, said the project was spearheaded by the Newlife SDA Church in Anlo Town and was rooted in addressing real socio-economic challenges.

He explained that the project will deliver practical, income-generating skills through vocational training in areas such as hairdressing, dressmaking, ICT, catering, bakery, water production, block molding, welding, and sign writing.

These initiatives, he said, will empower beneficiaries to secure employment or establish their own businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic independence within the community.

He noted that the classrooms will accommodate 300 learners at a time, allowing the same number of new students to enroll every six months.

Elder Agyei-Darko added that the project emphasizes life-skills development, financial literacy, health awareness, parenting, and personal development to ensure beneficiaries were not only economically empowered but also equipped to make informed and responsible life decisions.

He stressed that the project’s success will depend on collective commitment from the church, the community, and stakeholders.

He called for continuous collaboration, strong monitoring, efficient use of resources, and community ownership.

The ceremony was graced by the President of the East Ghana Conference, Pastor Dr. Samuel Bonya Arloo; the South Ghana Union Conference President, Pastor Col. Peter Nyarko Duodu; Newlife District Pastor, Pastor Osei Bonsu Sarpong; traditional leaders; Newlife District elders; church members; and community members.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie