BWO
Learning centerA space to learn, grow, and thrive
At the BWO Learning Center, we empower women through vocational training in sewing, hairdressing, and practical skills development. Located in the heart of Banko, the center also houses a printing shop where an apprentice is gaining hands-on experience.
While our hostel is just a short 5-10 minute walk outside the town, the Learning Center provides a dedicated and accessible space for learning, fostering connections within the community and helping women build brighter futures.
Sewing Program – From Basics to Mastery
Led by our skilled instructor, Madam Fremah, six students are currently developing their sewing abilities in a supportive and well-structured setting. The program begins with a one-year foundational course, where students acquire essential sewing skills.
After completing the basic course, we evaluate each student’s progress, talent, and attitude to decide if they are ready to continue into the advanced second-year program. For those who feel confident with the skills they’ve gained, they are encouraged to pursue their next steps at their own pace.
We follow a comprehensive syllabus and conduct regular assessments to track progress, ensuring each student gains the confidence and expertise needed to succeed.
Success Story: Sadya’s Sewing Journey
Sadya, in her mid-40s and a grandmother, balances caring for her six children, the youngest being just 5 years old. I share this not for judgment, but to highlight the challenges many women in Ghana face. In addition to managing her family, Sadya works part-time as a cleaner at the local clinic and relies on her farm for extra income. It’s a demanding life, requiring immense energy, especially when farm yields are insufficient during lean harvests.
Despite these challenges, Sadya saw sewing as an opportunity to improve her situation. After completing the one-year basic sewing course at the BWO Learning Center, she quickly applied her new skills to create beautiful children’s clothes and offer alteration services in her community. Through her work, Sadya has been able to reduce her farming activities, allowing her to focus more on sewing and support her family. Today, she serves as an inspiring example of how vocational training can empower women, providing new opportunities, financial stability, and a brighter future.
Hairdressing Program – More Than Just Hair
Under the expert guidance of Madam Dorcas, our hairdressing program equips students with essential beauty skills, including braiding, cornrows, wig-making, manicures, pedicures, and makeup artistry. With three students currently enrolled, the one-year course combines hands-on training with a structured syllabus tailored to the demands of the beauty industry.
After graduation, we support students by providing them with a starter kit, empowering them to begin their professional journeys immediately.
This practice reflects our commitment to ensuring our graduates are set up for success. For our sewing students, this includes a sewing machine, giving them the tools they need to turn their skills into sustainable livelihoods.
To further enhance their learning experience, we offer extra classes, such as basic accounting and customer service, helping students gain the confidence and knowledge needed to manage their own businesses.
Printing Apprenticeship – A Community Collaboration
At BWO, we believe in the power of collaboration to uplift our community. When the leader of the local youth foundation needed an office space to set up a printing service, we were more than happy to offer a space within our Learning Center. Our only condition? That they hire a female apprentice for the role.
Today, this apprentice is an active member of the BWO community. In addition to honing her printing skills, she participates in our extra classes, community meetings, and outings, further enriching her personal and professional growth. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering opportunities that benefit both individuals and the wider community.
Meet our students
Stories of Growth and Determination
Our students are the heart of BWO’s mission. Each one comes to us with unique challenges, aspirations, and dreams, and we’re proud to support them on their journey toward a brighter future. From mastering sewing and hairdressing to gaining confidence through extra classes, their hard work and resilience inspire us every day.
For €50 per month, you can sponsor a student and help cover the costs of their training, materials, and other essential resources. Your support empowers them to gain skills, build sustainable livelihoods, and transform their futures. Together, we can create opportunities that change not only individual lives but entire communities.
Abigail
Building a Path to Independence with Kindness and Skill
Sarfowaah, a 19-year-old with a kind heart and a love for singing, dreams of a self-sufficient future. Inspired by a friend who once shared her books, she’s dedicated to helping others and creating a stable life. Through the BWO Learning Center, Sarfowaah is developing her sewing skills, which she plans to use to fund her nursing studies. With the support of a sponsor, she’s determined to create a meaningful future for herself and the people around her. Independence as a woman means to her not to suffer in live and being able to build a good life for herself.
“Thank you for empowering me to achieve my dreams.”
Angela
Building a Future of Independence Through Craft and Community
At just 15, Angela Amankwah is already focused on creating a stable future for herself. Describing herself as respectful, happy, and lovely, she is dedicated to learning and growing, especially through her sewing skills. Angela’s motivation to join the BWO Learning Center is clear—she aims to secure a livelihood and live independently. Inspired by Mr. Addai, a community leader, she dreams of improving the market system in her town. With the right support, Angela plans to focus on her training and, one day, teach others what she’s learned.
“Your support helps me focus on my dreams and give back to my community.”
Kate
A Smile That Fuels Her Dreams of Independence
Mansah Kate, 21, is a hardworking and determined woman who smiles constantly, spreading positivity wherever she goes. With her grandfather’s advice in mind, she joined the BWO Learning Center to acquire skills that will lead her to independence. Mansah is passionate about becoming a sewing-teacher at the and one day building a community center. With a sponsor’s support, she is confident in achieving her goals and making a difference.
“With your help, I will work hard and turn my dreams into reality.”
Mizpah
Empowering Her Future with Determination
At 18, Adu Poku Mizpah is driven by respect, a constant smile, and an optimistic outlook. She joined the BWO Learning Center to become a qualified hairdresser, inspired by a local professional who treats her clients with care and respect and makes them feel welcome and well looked after. Her goal is to complete her training, remain focused, and achieve independence by relying on her own abilities.
Adu has a deep passion for football and dancing, which bring her joy and confidence. While she hopes to improve her community’s water system in the future, she is currently focused on completing her education. With the support of a sponsor, she can concentrate fully on her goals.
“Your help will allow me to continue pursuing my dreams and contribute to my community’s well-being.”
Ajara
Empowering Through Education
At 22, Ajara Mohammed is calm, happy, and courageous, with a vision to uplift others. Inspired by her uncle, who once paid for her school fees, Ajara is determined to make a similar impact in the future by sponsoring education for those in need. Through the BWO Learning Center, she’s mastering hairstyling and customer service skills, preparing to open her own salon and train those who cannot afford professional courses—completely free.
For Ajara, independence means having the freedom to support herself while using her success to uplift her community.
She also finds joy in listening to love songs, which keep her motivated and hopeful for the future.
“With your support, I can build a life of independence and help others achieve their dreams.”
Belinda
A Kind Heart with Big Dreams
Belinda Brefo, 20, radiates happiness, care, and kindness. Known for her warm demeanor and passion for creating beauty, she finds joy in both connecting with people and refining her craft. Motivated by her uncle’s example of responsibility and generosity, she has embraced hairdressing as her path to independence.
At the BWO Learning Center, Belinda has developed exceptional skills in braiding, wig making, nail preparation, and customer service. She dreams of opening her own shop in a nearby village, where she can live independently and uplift her community.
Belinda is also passionate about improving access to resources in her village, envisioning a factory to produce clean water.
With a sponsor’s support, Belinda can focus fully on her learning, paving the way toward her vision of independence and community impact.
“Your support inspires me to work harder and achieve my dreams, making you proud along the way.”
Mabel
Striving for Independence with Purpose and Ambition
Antwi Mabel, 21, is a positive and determined young woman working towards a better future. Inspired by her sister to overcome her shyness, she now focuses on her education at the BWO Learning Center to support herself and her family. With aspirations to help her community, she dreams of building a toilet facility. A sponsor would enable her to deepen her sewing skills and achieve her goals of independence and community service. Mabel’s talent lies in believing in herself and making things come true, driven by her ambition and determination.
“With your help I will turn my dreams into reality, one step at a time.”
Alberta
A Strong Mother, Aspiring to Serve Her Community
At 26, Alberta is a single mother known for her calm demeanor, friendliness, and love of singing. Currently part of the BWO Printing Service, she is strengthening her skills in computer use, document management, and office tasks. When conflicts arise in her community, people turn to Alberta for guidance, as she often helps mediate and resolve issues. Her ultimate goal is to become a traffic police officer and create more job opportunities. With the support of a sponsor, Alberta can focus on her dreams and secure a brighter future for her children.
“Your help will allow me to achieve my dreams and help others in my community.”
Christiana
Focused on Building a Future of Independence
Agyei Christiana, a determined 25-year-old seamstress in training, channels her quiet strength into mastering her craft at the BWO Learning Center. Growing up in a close-knit community has instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and solidarity. Her focus is on developing her skills to secure stable, independent employment. For Christiana, sponsorship represents more than financial aid—it’s a partnership that empowers her journey toward self-reliance.
“Your support fuels my determination to achieve self-reliance and give back.”
Martina
Crafting a Future with Compassion and Skill
At 27, Martina Kadi has a clear vision for her future—one where her sewing skills not only support her family but also empower her community. Inspired by a local woman, Lady Ewureme, who paid for life-saving blood transfusions for a sick baby she didn’t even know, Martina aspires to one day teach others and improve the water situation in her community. Through her dedication and the opportunities provided by the BWO Learning Center, Martina is determined to create a future of independence, kindness, and service.
“With your support, I can build a better life for my family and community.”
Get Involved
Your support can make all the difference. With just €50 a month, you can fully sponsor a student’s training, providing them with the skills and resources needed to build a sustainable future. Prefer to contribute a smaller amount? No problem—every donation counts and goes directly toward empowering our students.
Join us in creating opportunities and changing lives. Together, we can build a brighter future for these women and their communities.
Click below to start your sponsorship journey or make a monthly donation.