By: Yvonne Atilego
An integrated programme initiated by the Purim African Youth Development Platform PAYDP with funding from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) aimed at getting Head Porters off the streets has yielded positive results.
So far more than 60 Head Porters have benefitted from the programme which comprises the equipping of Head Porters with livelihood skills such as bead, sandals basket and soap making.
The Head Porters supported to continue their education while empowering them to know their sexual and reproductive health rights.
At the 3rd Edition of the Kayayeis Business and Leadership Forum in Accra, some of the beneficiary Head Porters shared success stories of how their lives have been transformed through these programs.
The programme was also used to showcase some products such as bags, beads, soaps and sandals produced by the Kayayeis.
Across all major markets in Ghana, one is likely to spot Kayayeis or female Head Porters who are mostly adolescent girls or young women, ranging from age 12 to 35.
They carry all manner of goods and loads to make a living. Most of them migrate predominantly from the North to Southern Ghana in an attempt to escape poverty and other harmful practices such as child and forced marriages and female genital mutilation. As time goes on the number of these head porters have spiked and this has become a source of worry to the government and other stakeholders who have fashioned out programmes to get these head porters off the streets.
One of these programmes is the Kayayeis Business and Leadership forum organized by UNFPA,PAYDP and other partners.
Some of the Kayeyeis who benefitted from some of the livelihood programmes shared their stories.
”I dropped out of school when I got pregnant. After I gave birth I had an encounter with UNFPA AND PAYDP . They encouraged and supported me to go back to school. They also took me through some training. Now I can make beads, soap, parazone and sandals”, says Mavis.
”One day I had an encounter with UNFPA and PAYDP during one of their Mentorship Programmes. After the program, I got inspired to continue my education. They supported me and now I gained admission into University of Nursing and Midwifery College”, according to Salah Abudu.
Executive Director of the Purim African Youth Development Platform (PAYDP) Reverend Aku Xornam Kevin noted that the vulnerabilities of girls can be improved and empowered through change of economic status and provision of alternative livelihood skills.
She advised the Head Porters to further their education and acquire knowledge, identify opportunities in livelihood skills and strive to achieve a successful lifestyle.
”UNFPA partnered PAYDP and realized that only sexual reproductive health information is not enough for the children so UNFPA decided to support and train the girls with other livelihood skills”.
The Gender Equality, Inclusivity and Fashion Consultant at UNFPA Sandra Akweley Martey said UNFPA will continue to support the vulnerable to achieve their potential. She announced that a new project aimed at supporting young girls with fashion skills will be launched soon and whoever emerges the winner will be sponsored to the New York Fashion School.
”At UNFPA over the years has ensured that the potential of young girls is fulfilled”.
The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Sackey who was the guest of honor was pleased with the success stories from the Head Poters. She promised to secure a place to be used as a Center to train young Head Porters to gain employable skills.
The fair was preceded with a walk through some principal streets of Accra by the Kayeyei holding placards with inscriptions highlighting their plight.