Goaso beauty school opens admissions to train young women for self-employment

Pinned summary · as of 16:03

High Lady Beautician School in Goaso, the Ahafo Regional Capital, is taking in new students, with places aimed at young women who want a career in beauty. Its founder, Ms Dorothy Bonsu, says the school exists to help tackle youth unemployment by teaching skills that let graduates work for themselves.

What we know

• The school has begun admitting young women who want to enter the beauty trade, and it is based in Goaso.
• Students can learn make-up, wig making, weave-on installation and braiding, along with further beauty skills.
• Ms Bonsu, who founded the school, says she started it to address joblessness among the young through hands-on training.
• She explained her motivation with the words “We cannot rely on the government for everything,” pointing to the need for people to create their own opportunities.
• Ms Bonsu argues that private efforts like hers can take some weight off the state, leaving it freer to concentrate on other development needs such as roads.
• She wants trainees to leave able to run their own ventures and possibly hire others, and says the school will keep welcoming young women who are keen to learn.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

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  The New Crusading Guide reported that Ms Bonsu also hopes trainees will gain confidence as well as technical skills, and that not everyone can count on formal employment after school; The Press Radio did not carry these points.
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  The Press Radio reported that Ms Bonsu called on individuals and private organisations to back government efforts as the number of job seekers grows; this has not been reported elsewhere.

Why it matters for Ghana

Youth unemployment is a daily concern for families in Goaso and across the Ahafo Region, and short practical courses are one route into earning an income without waiting for a formal job. Hairdressing and beauty services are common small businesses in Ghanaian towns, so trained young women may be able to set up shops of their own. The school's approach also shows private individuals stepping in to supply skills training alongside public programmes.