Sessions 2001-03

Skills Project – BB Ghana
Block and Brick Making – Building for Development

In addition to the principle aims of the Boys’ Brigade, BB Ghana seeks to develop the lives of young people in ways that provide for their long term welfare. Employment is very difficult to find and young people need skills that they can develop into their own projects and livelihood. Skills training is important in the programme.

BB Ghana has taken great interest in the provision of skills training in recent years. Projects ranged from tailoring (from which local uniform supplies could also be marketed), agriculture, mushroom growing and poultry.

The aim of this project was to provide two centres where skills in brick and block making could be taught. There is always a need for building materials and, with these skills, young people can set up their own businesses in their local areas, providing financial independence for themselves and their families.

The money raised would establish two training centres as well as provide all the necessary equipment and support for students.

A site was acquired at Nungua, near Accra and building work completed in March 2003. The moulding machine has already been installed with connection to the mains electricity supply. Vincent Entsie has been appointed project supervisor. Margaret Kyeame who visited Scotland to launch the project, is photographed here beside the cleared site, prior to construction.

After considering potential development, water supply and resources as well as marketing opportunities it has been agreed that the second project will be located at either Abokobi or Tema.

The funding now in place will enable these ventures to proceed.

Walter Dunlop from the Church of Scotland World Mission Department presented a cheque for £9,000 to the Boys’ Brigade in Ghana, to fund the first Brick Making Plant.

In November 2002, a cheque for £14,000 was presented to the Rt Rev Dr Finlay MacDonald.

A further cheque for £9,000 was presented to the Rt Rev Prof Iain Torrance, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in November 2003.

Many young people in Ghana are already benefiting from the support provided.

Fact Sheet on BB Ghana