By Stanley Kwabla Arku
The Minister for Education, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to reintegrating vulnerable children into society through vocational training and inclusive education initiatives.
Speaking during a visit to the Father Campbell Foundation in Weija, Hon. Iddrisu assured learners many of whom are former street children of the Ministry’s readiness to provide sustained support that empowers them with employable skills.
“We will not abandon you. Through apprenticeship and vocational training, the Ministry will support you to become independent and contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.
The Foundation is a key implementing partner under the Ghana Education Outcomes Project (GEOP), a results-based national programme supported by the World Bank and other development partners. It targets out-of-school youth, providing them with accelerated education and pathways into certified skills training.
Currently serving 170 children, the Foundation offers a structured 6 to 9-month programme in literacy and numeracy, after which learners transition into competency-based vocational training in areas such as carpentry, catering, and fashion. Many of the learners, aged between 15 and 18, have lived on the streets and now have a second chance at education and personal development.
Impressed by the impact of the programme, the Minister pledged to support the expansion of the Foundation’s facilities to accommodate up to 1,000 children, ensuring more out-of-school youth benefit from the intervention.
“This visit is not ceremonial,” Hon. Iddrisu said. “It is a demonstration of our belief in inclusive education. Father Campbell’s selfless work is restoring dignity and giving hope to children society once ignored. These are the kinds of interventions that demonstrate the power of compassion combined with structure. As a Ministry, we are committed to supporting this vision.”
He also praised the dedication of Rev. Father Andrew Campbell and his team for providing not just education, but also shelter, nutrition, and emotional support to some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Several learners shared emotional testimonies about their lives before joining the programme, describing how the Foundation and GEOP have transformed their outlook and future. Many expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and development partners for investing in their potential.
The Ministry has indicated plans to replicate such inclusive educational interventions across the country, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education and opportunities for lifelong learning.