Afrikids Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) at the weekend presented working tools to 151 vocational skills trainees in Bolgatanga of the Upper East Region.

Apart from the presentation, the NGO also supported the beneficiaries to undergo two to four years skills training in carpentry, mason, sewing, hairdressing, vulcanising and mechanics.

Mr James Zuugah Tiigah, Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf lauded the NGO for complimenting government’s efforts.

He said Afrikids Ghana also supported 494 deprived students in the region who have completed senior high school education and are now at various stages of tertiary institutions in the country.

He said despite the numerous challenges confronting the government, it had earmarked several programmes including the new educational reforms and the restructuring of Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Development Agency, aimed at empowering the youth.

Mr Tiigah said the Regional Coordinating Council would partner with NGOs in the region to ensure that youth unemployment is brought to the barest minimum.

The Country Director of Afrikids Ghana, Mr Nicholas Kumah, said in 2009 his outfit through the support of Comic Relief, a UK Charitable based organisation started the implementation of a project dubbed: “New Beginning.”

He said the project which is being implemented in the Bolgatanga, Talensi Nabdam and Kassena Nankana Districts is aimed at targeting streets children and those who are engaged in worse forms of child labour particularly in mining.

The Country Director indicated the NGO is committed to implement its three- year strategic planning which aims among other things to help improve the lives of 110,000 children and 143,000 adults from 2013 to 2016.

The Paramount Chief of Bongo, Naba Baba Salifu Aleemyarum, who chaired the function, entreated other NGOs in the region to follow the example of Afrikids Ghana by contributing to the development of the area.