Accra, Oct. 29, GNA - The International Child Resource Institute (ICRI) Ghana, has honoured over ten retired and some teachers at post for their immense contribution to the development of manpower in the country.

Presenting the awards at the 2nd graduation ceremony of ICRI for 26 youth from Osu, La and Teshie on Saturday, Mrs Hannah Botchway, Country Director of ICRI said that, it was time the work of teachers were recognized as very important in the development of the country, since every one attained his profession through the efforts of a teacher.

Mrs. Botchway said the era has changed from teachers receiving their rewards in heaven to being recognized on earth.

She said the awards were made possible through the support of "Put A Smile On A Face" (PASOAF), an NGO and ICRI California. Delivering the speech at the ceremony, she said, ICRI and PASOAF provided free 9 months training in tie and dye, batik, sewing, crocheting and beads making to the twenty-six graduants.

She indicated that PASOAF in collaboration with ICRI provides informal education to children in difficulty, vocational training to the vulnerable in society, peer education and cultural activities, as a means of promoting positive identity in the youth.

She said it was their aim to protect, support and encourage the youth through their activities to give hope and foster a peaceful and productive environment.

Mrs Botchway urged the public to support such needy children by patronizing their wares and offering them ready market. Nii Amasa Namoale, MP for La Dadekotopon Constituency said, like formal education, vocational and technical training equipped the individual for the future.

He said the unemployment rate was high because most people lacked vocational training and could not find the "white collar" jobs they desired.

He, therefore, urged parents to provide their wards with the needed vocational training in order to secure their future.