Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings, First Vice
Chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Saturday, called on adults to serve as good role models, so that children and the youth would emulate.
She was speaking at the first graduation ceremony of the Outreach Africa (Free) Vocational Institute (OAVI) at Whindo, near Takoradi.
Some 148 students, who have completed a two and a half years training in dress designing, hairdressing, draughtmanship, among others, were
presented with certificates and start-up tools.
Nana Agyemang-Rawlings, who is also the President of the 31st December Women's Movement, said adults would be doing a great disservice to their communities, if they failed to set good example.
The former First Lady said the youth, who form the larger percentage of the country's population should be well prepared to take leadership responsibilities in future.
She commended the OAVI for providing free vocational training to destitute, disadvantaged and needy children, to enable them to stand on
their feet, to contribute to the upkeep of their families and the development of the country.
Nana Agyemang-Rawlings urged the graduates to put their tools to good use and endeavour to build upon the skills that have been acquired at the institute.
She was not happy about the indiscriminate use of the Internet by children and suggested that, a framework be put in place to enable children to use it for educational purposes.
Nii Amasah-Namoale, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, commended the Institute for taking children off the street and equipping them to
contribute to national development.
He asked the graduates not to lose sight of their responsibilities to society, which contributed towards their education.
Brother Dan Owusu Asiamah, Founder and Director of the Institute, said about GHC100, 000 was spent on the training of the graduates.
He said the Institute offers free vocational training and tuition and is run on donation from public spirited organizations and individuals.
Brother Asiamah called on the Churches to help educate young people free of charge, instead denying such people access to education by charging exorbitant fees at their schools.
He said this practice is tarnishing the image of the Churches, which should freely share what God has given them.
Brother Asimah expressed concern about some Churches having become public relations institutions for political parties.