Accessory-Ville and Future of Africa Launch Program to Empower Street Youth in Ghana

Accra – Accessory-Ville, a Ghana-based beaded accessories brand, in collaboration with Future of Africa (FOA), has launched a training program aimed at transforming the lives of street youth in Ghana. This initiative, which concluded its initial phase in Accra, is part of a series of programmes designed to provide employment opportunities and specialized skills-building sessions for young individuals living on the streets.

According to Ghana News Agency, Founder and Creative Lead at Accessory-Ville, the partnership with FOA, a non-profit organization focused on the well-being of street residents, is a step towards fostering positive change and offering sustainable opportunities for Ghanaian youth. The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly focusing on Quality Education (Goal Four), Gender Equality (Goal Five), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal Eight).

The program offered specialized training to equip the youth with vital skills for employment and personal development. It also aimed to empower youth from underprivileged backgrounds and provide avenues for economic independence, in line with the goal of achieving gender equality. Additionally, the initiative created employment opportunities through specialized skill-building initiatives, contributing to decent work and economic growth.

Funded by Accessory-Ville, the parent company of The Accessory-Ville Academy, the inaugural training embodied the brand’s commitment to fostering craftsmanship in Ghanaian communities. One of its core values is the preservation of local craftsmanship by creating premium beaded accessories, which not only protects indigenous art but also fosters trans-generational skill-sharing and socio-economic development.

Madam Ansre emphasized Accessory-Ville’s dedication to more than just crafting accessories, highlighting their belief in preserving rich African heritage and empowering local communities. She noted that the training program is a testament to their commitment to community and craftsmanship.

The collaboration with FOA, which began its work with children in street situations in Accra in 2015, represents a strategic partnership aimed at supporting homeless youth aged 13-15 years through a comprehensive five-year programme. Mr. T.K. Mawuli Azaglo, the Founder of FOA, expressed that the collaboration is focused on empowering the underprivileged youth to become self-sufficient.