News Release

LDS Charities and ICCES Partnership Assists Young Ghanaians

LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has partnered with Integrated Community Centres for Employable Skills (ICCES) to train youth for employment in their chosen trades. ICCES provides teachers and classrooms at a vocational center in Ngleshie Amanfro, Ghana. LDS Charities donated electrical testing equipment and tools, cooking appliances and serving trays, as well as sewing machines, tables and irons to be used in the center.

 

This specific partnership serves 220 students in the Ngleshie Amonfro Centre, as well as assisting some 700 students in 6 centers throughout the Greater Accra Region.

Franklin K. Eshun, Regional Coordinator for ICCES thanked LDS Charities and leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a presentation ceremony on January 25. Mr. Eshun reported this was the second time LDS Charities has donated materials to support ICCES.

“This donation comes at a critical time.” he said. “We have enrolled 60 new students and your donation gives us the tools needed to provide a hands on education for each of these students. The supplies are a blessing from God and an answer to prayers.”

ICCES facilities are vocational schools. They teach valuable skills that are driven by demand, including electrical skills, catering and dressmaking/tailoring. Students study for their National Vocational and Technical Institute (NVTI) qualification, which after three years enables them to enter a polytechnic program, find employment, or start their own business. Students learn firsthand practical entrepreneurial skills through the Centre’s production units.

ICCES is open to anyone, typically between the ages of 14 and 24 and often attract youth who are not able to afford traditional academic education or those who would prefer to learn a trade. The centers provide an essential role helping young Ghanaians step out of the cycle of poverty some find themselves in.

Bishop Moses Acquah, religious leader of a congregation of the Church explained to guests, “Our Church believes in self-reliance and doing all one can to provide for themselves. We are pleased to help each student here. The training allows you to blend classroom knowledge with practical knowledge and prepare yourselves to be a contributor to your family and in your community.” 

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