For Hannah Ofori, a young tailoring apprentice, the gift of a sewing machine is more than a piece of equipment. It is the end of a frustrating wait, a chance to learn with greater confidence and a step towards a future in which she can stand on her own feet and help others.
For a long time, learning to sew has been a difficult journey for Hannah Ofori at the Happy Royal Creation located at Oyarifa, in the Greater Accra Region.
Hannah’s apprenticeship had been marked by a frustrating challenge: she did not own a sewing machine. Whenever her madam assigned work, she often had to sit and wait for other apprentices to finish using their machines before she could get her turn.
That struggle, however, has begun to give way to hope following the donation of free sewing machines by businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo, in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), under a nationwide initiative to distribute 10,000 machines to vulnerable women and young people.
Her gratitude was heartfelt, and her words carried the emotion of someone who understood the value of the opportunity placed before her.
“We are grateful to our father, Seidu Agongo. All we can say is that God should bless him, replenish him and give him double of whatever he spent because of this kind gesture,” she said.
But perhaps the most touching part of Hannah’s story was not simply her excitement about receiving the machine. It was what the gesture had inspired her to become.
She hopes that one day, when she has mastered her trade and established herself as a successful dressmaker, she will extend the same kindness to others who may be struggling to find their feet.
“I have learnt a lot from his benevolence, so in future, when I become a boss on my own, I would like to do the same and help persons in need just as he has done for me and others here,” she said.
Another beneficiary, who gave his name as George, recounted his initial disbelieve when he was contacted that he has been selected under the first phase. Thinking it might be one of those scammers or a ploy to get him into trouble, he ignored it.
“I was scared so when I was contacted I decided not to go, but I mentioned it to my brother’s wife who confirmed that she has also been contacted and encouraged me that we should go. Hold and behold we came and it is a reality,” he said beaming with smiles beside his sister-in-law as they blessed the benefactor.
For Philip, a beneficiary from Peace Land at Katamanso, the machine also offers hope for a better livelihood and greater support for his family.
“I have received my machine today and I am very much grateful to Alhaji Seidu Agongo for giving us these machines from his heart to support our work. It is going to help our family very much. Thank you. God bless you,” he said.
The joy of the recipients was evident as they received their machines, with smiles and heartfelt expressions of appreciation reflecting the importance of the gesture to their ambitions and livelihoods.
For many young people learning a trade, access to equipment remains a major obstacle to turning acquired skills into sustainable sources of income. The donation is expected to help beneficiaries improve their skills, establish small businesses and reduce their dependence on others.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Alhaji Seidu Agongo explained that the initiative was driven by his belief that many young Ghanaians have the potential to succeed but lack the resources and opportunities to develop their abilities.
“We all need kindness. Whatever your situation, I will say don’t despair. I want to help everyone as much as possible. I want to live by people’s happiness.” He said, “There is room for everyone if we genuinely support each other. I have always believed in sharing, supporting and being there for everyone whenever I can.”
More than 800 sewing machines were distributed during the first phase, with further distributions expected as the programme progresses towards its nationwide target of 10,000 machines.
The partnership with NEIP seeks to equip vulnerable women and young people with practical tools to start or expand tailoring and dressmaking businesses, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment.
