Manso Nkwanta (Ash), Nov. 2, GNA - The Rural Enterprise Project (REP) ha= s presented basic tools and equipment to 30 trained apprentices in the Aman= sie West District to help them start their own businesses. They had completed training in hairdressing, barbering, dressmaking, auto-mechanics, general and auto-electrical, TV/Radio mechanics, carpentr= y, bicycle repairing and building.
Handing the tools over to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held at Manso-Nkwanta Mr Charles Oti-Premeph, the District Chief Executive, expressed satisfaction with the positive transformation the REP is bringing to the socio-economic lives of the people in the area.
He said the skills training and support to the youth was helping to bring down the unemployment rate.
Mr Oti-Prempeh said through the "Graduate Apprentice Support Fund", a component of the project, the problem with start-up capital is now over.. REP is designed to help equip enterprising youth in rural communities with employable skills and began operating in the Amansie West district in 2006.
It has so far provided tools and seed money of about GH¢1,600 to 60 graduate apprentices in the area.
Mr Kwame Agyenim-Boateng, Head of the District Business Advisory Board, counselled them to adopt best practices to grow their businesses. He also called on the people to take advantage of the REP to reduce ru= ral poverty and raise their living conditions.
