ONE DAY, I WILL HELP OTHERS TOO" AGONGO'S SEWING MACHINES BRING HOPE TO YOUNG APPRENTICES

Story by Fada Amakye

For Hannah Ofori, a young tailoring apprentice, the gift of a sewing machine is more than equipment. It is the end of a frustrating wait and a step towards standing on her own feet.

Hannah, who is learning at Happy Royal Creation at Oyarifa in the Greater Accra Region, has long struggled because she did not own a sewing machine.

Whenever her madam gave her work, she had to sit and wait for other apprentices to finish using their machines before she could get her turn.

That struggle is now giving 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).

The initiative is to distribute 10,000 machines to vulnerable women and young people across the country.

“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 the most touching part of Hannah’s story is what the gesture has inspired her to become.

She hopes that one day, when she has mastered her trade and become a successful dressmaker, she will extend the same kindness to others.

“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, George, said he was scared when he was first contacted because he thought it might be a scam.

“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.

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 appreciation.

For many young people learning a trade, access to equipment remains a major obstacle to turning acquired skills into income. The donation is expected to help beneficiaries improve their skills, establish small businesses and reduce their dependence on others.

Speaking at the launch, Agongo said the initiative was driven by his belief that many young Ghanaians have the potential to succeed but lack the resources and opportunities.

“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 moves 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.