A Journey of Growth and Impact
For more than two decades, Cathrine Essien Otoo, the Founder and CEO of Ebenkate Training Institute, has been a beneficiary of REP, a flagship initiative funded by IFAD. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation—a testament to the life-changing impact of REP on small enterprises and community development in Ghana.
What began as a modest hairdressing salon in 2005 has evolved into a thriving vocational training institute, providing young women with skills in dressmaking, catering, bead making, fashion design, makeup artistry, and décor. Today, Ebenkate Training Institute is a certified institution under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), enabling students to earn National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) certification and secure better employment opportunities.
Building Business Skills for Growth
Cathrine’s journey with REP has been one of continuous learning and growth. Over the years, she has received extensive training in business management, bookkeeping, financial literacy, branding, and marketing. These essential skills have helped her transition from informal entrepreneurship to running a structured and sustainable business.
“REP has done a lot for me. I was not keeping records of my income and expenditure, and by the end of the month, I could not account for anything. REP trained me in financial management, and now I record every transaction. This has made a huge difference in how I manage my business,” she shared.
With a strong foundation in business management, Cathrine successfully transformed her micro-enterprise into a medium-sized business, employing five full-time tutors and enrolling over 70 students annually. The support from REP has been instrumental in ensuring that Ebenkate Training Institute continues to grow and impact more lives.
Expanding Opportunities Through Skills Development
Beyond business management, REP has also provided Cathrine with specialized training to enhance her vocational skills. She attended an intensive makeup artistry program in Accra, which not only refined her craft but also opened doors for her to become a key resource person for CAMFED Ghana, an organization dedicated to supporting the education and economic empowerment of young women.
“I work with CAMFED Ghana, training their girls in makeup and hairdressing. I have been working with them for a long time, and it has been a fulfilling experience,” she said.
In addition, REP provided her with training in soap, shampoo, and conditioner production, enabling her to make her own hair products for use at her institute.
“Thanks to REP, I now make my own shampoo, conditioner, and setting lotion. This has saved me a lot of money that I would have otherwise spent in the open market,” she added.
With her growing confidence and skill set, Cathrine took the bold step of converting her business into a full-fledged training institution. She reached out to REP once again, securing a loan to expand her business premises. The loan allowed her to build a larger, more spacious facility to accommodate her increasing number of students.
“As my business grew, I needed a bigger space. REP facilitated a loan for me, which I used to expand my training center. I have since taken another loan, which is helping me build a hostel to accommodate students from distant communities,” she explained.
In addition to providing training, Ebenkate Training Institute ensures that its graduates are equipped to start their own businesses. Last year, all graduates received startup kits, including essential equipment such as hair dryers, ovens, and other accessories to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.
Empowering the Next Generation
For Cathrine, success is not just about personal achievement; it is about giving back to her community. She has taken the initiative to sponsor ten underprivileged girls, offering them free vocational training at her institute. This gesture reflects her deep commitment to empowering young women and ensuring that they have access to opportunities for a better future.
“My relationship with REP has spanned 20 years, and I can say without hesitation that it has been life-changing. I am not just a success story; I am proof of what structured support can do to grow small enterprises in Ghana,” she emphasized.
Through her entrepreneurial success, Cathrine has been able to contribute significantly to her household. She currently pays GHC 3,000 in salaries every month, supports her husband in completing their home, and has successfully financed the education of her four children, one of whom has recently graduated from university.
A Testament to the Impact of REP
Cathrine Essien Otoo’s story is a shining example of how REP is transforming lives and businesses across Ghana. From a small hairdressing salon to a reputable vocational training institution, Ebenkate Training Institute is proof that with the right support, entrepreneurs can achieve remarkable growth and create lasting change in their communities.
Her journey underscores the importance of equipping small businesses with the necessary skills, financial support, and resources to thrive. As REP continues to support more entrepreneurs, stories like Cathrine’s serve as an inspiration to many who aspire to turn their dreams into reality.
With continued investment in small businesses and vocational training, Ghana’s economic landscape is set to flourish, empowering more women like Cathrine to build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and contribute to national development.
