We spoke to two students about their experience at the WDC and how COVID-19 has impacted their lives and the program
Back in March, Ghana received praise for its proactive COVID-19 strategy. The country’s stance was reflected in a speech by Ghana’s president when he announced Africa’s first lockdown on March 28th.
“We know how to bring the economy back to life. What we do not know is how to bring people back to life.” -Nana Akufo-AddoThe end of the three-week lockdown was announced by the government on April 19th. However, data published by the Ghana Health Service was inconclusive as to whether the objectives of the COVID restrictions were met.
Schools have been reopened for final year students and a mass voter registration exercise is also underway nationwide, despite some pushback from physicians who cited COVID-19 risks.
Currently, the country has over 30,000 cases, about double the amount of its neighbors in Côte d’Ivoire.
What’s happening at the Women’s Development Centre?
The Women’s Development Centre (WDC) has two schools. The School of Continuing Education focuses on literacy, numeracy, and computer skills, while the School of Aesthetics teaches students the fundamentals of hair and makeup to become an esthetician.
Pictured: WDC Students Janette & Juliana
Juliana (right) is in her third year of WDC’s School of Aesthetics.
“Before I started WDC I was in the house doing nothing, I had plans of going to school but had no financial support. My grandma introduced me to the school of aesthetics and now I am happy because I can do something. Now I can do braids, fix weaves and do makeup as a pro”
Juliana takes pride in her newfound skills, smiling as she recalled boasting to her friends about her cosmetology skills. Because of the pandemic, Juliana has not been to the WDC since the lockdown began in March. She has come in only once to write her final exams. When asked about going back into school during COVID-19 Juliana told us:
“It has really changed. Coming to school and putting on a face mask, even the time that we come to school has changed. I am really happy to be here once again, although there is COVID we are coping and managing. We are still able to do hair and makeup within the protocols that we are given”
After completing the program, Juliana plans to establish her own salon, and eventually to further her education in general management.
At the end of the call she was proud to show off her new hairstyle, smiling bright as she asked “Have you seen my beautiful hairstyle? it was done by me”
Pictured: WDC students Juliana & SandraJanette is another student in the WDC who joined the program about a year ago. She has learned to braid different styles, including weaving and makeup. When asked about her plans for the future, she told us:
“It is my dream to get my own shop outside of Ghana, I will name the shop after my facilitator because it is true here that I have been able to achieve my dreams. With the help of god we have been through it.”
Janette is very passionate about the Women’s Development Centre, and uses her strong communication skills to advocate for the organization.
“There are thousands who are jobless with no plan for their future. I will be very happy if people support the WDC so those who are uneducated should know something about education and how to express themselves. If you are not able to express yourself (read or write) you will not get a job. Me, for instance, I have achieved a lot. My education before was not that high but with WDC I am better now. I had some problems with math and English, but at WDC I have achieved a lot. I can speak, write, and express myself. With the help of the school, we can help the society, the country, and the whole world as well.”
Janette draws inspiration from the program facilitators at the WDC.
“My facilitators are the best. Whenever you have a problem you can’t concentrate at school. They will call and find out what is wrong. They care so much. If it is about financial problems, they will find a way for you to come to school. If it is about illness they will help you source medication so that you can come to school. We are proud of them”
When asked about the impact of the pandemic, Janette had a lot to say:
“Because of the COVID, things have really changed. In Ghana and the whole world. Things have become slow. Although there have been some breakdowns, work has moved on. People are getting hired, a lot is happening. We protect ourselves with personal protective equipment and work moves on. I don’t anticipate any challenges after COVID because even within COVID we are learning to move on.”
While much has changed in Ghana, it is clear that the drive and passion of the women in our development centre have not diminished.
If you would like to learn more about supporting our WDC you can do so here:
https://anida.org/?page_id=1272