In a bid to empower burn survivors and promote economic inclusion, Beyond Burns International, in collaboration with the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, has organised a hands-on skills training workshop aimed at equipping survivors with valuable vocational skills.
The event featured practical training in beading, makeup artistry, wig cap making, detergent production, and shoemaking.
The initiative is part of Beyond Burns International’s ongoing commitment to supporting burn survivors beyond their medical recovery.
Judith Cato-Addison, Founder of Beyond Burns International, stated that the program is designed to provide survivors with tools for self-sufficiency, enabling them to rebuild their lives and regain confidence through economic independence.
“Recovery doesn’t end in the hospital. For many survivors, rebuilding their lives starts with opportunities like this,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, who attended the workshop, commended the initiative and called for broader societal support and inclusion for burn survivors.
He emphasized the potential of the National Apprenticeship Program, spearheaded by the NYA, to further support such individuals by integrating them into productive economic activities.
“Programs like this are crucial not just for skills development, but for reducing the stigma that many survivors face. Economic empowerment is a powerful tool for healing,” Mr. Ayariga noted.
Officials from the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital also stressed the importance of sustained support for survivors, highlighting that true recovery encompasses emotional, social, and economic dimensions.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity, sharing that the skills acquired would have a significant impact on their lives and future livelihoods.
Beyond Burns International has been a key advocate for burns awareness and prevention over the past two years, while also raising funds to support the treatment and rehabilitation of burn victims across Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Obed King Gaglo
