The institute, established in 2010 as a cake decoration and confectionery arts school, has since equipped more than 1,000 people across the country with practical and entrepreneurial skills.

The graduation ceremony, held last Sunday, combined the institute's 11th and 12th graduation classes after the earlier event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The graduates received training in cake decoration and sugarcraft, balloon and floral decoration, and catering. They were awarded certificates by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI).

Mr Divine Bosson, Volta Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and Special Guest of Honour, described vocational skills as one of an individual's greatest assets.

He said skills training empowered people to become self-reliant and encouraged the graduates to remain committed to their chosen professions.

"Skills training provides the opportunity to make a living from your talent. Whenever people say there are no jobs, remember that your skill is your job," he advised.

The Founder and Director of the institute, Madam Mariam Adzroe, announced that the school had relocated from its former premises to a permanent site within the Ho Municipality.

She appealed to individuals, organisations and philanthropists to support the completion of an ongoing hostel project to improve accommodation for students.

Madam Adzroe said the institute remained committed to empowering vulnerable groups, including orphans, noting that 20 of the graduating students had benefited from scholarship support.

She also expressed gratitude to the government for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitary supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped the school continue its activities safely.

She further appealed for the provision of a school bus to ease transportation challenges.

"We are complementing the government's efforts by equipping people with employable skills, and we need support to train more young people to become economically independent," she said.

Madam Adzroe disclosed that the institute's long-term vision was to establish the country's first private vocational university.

Mr Douglas Wagba, a telecommunications engineer, urged the graduates not to regard the ceremony as the end of their learning journey but rather as the beginning of continuous personal and professional development.

A fundraising exercise was held during the event to support the completion of the hostel block, attracting generous donations from patrons and well-wishers.

The ceremony also featured an exhibition of cakes, floral arrangements, balloon decorations and other products, showcasing the practical skills and creativity acquired by the graduates during their training.