The Holy Cross Skills Training Programme was established in 1982 by Br. Raymond Papenfuss, C.S.C. to meet the needs of young men from needy families in the Sekondi-Takoradi area. The goal of the Programme was and continues to be to give these young people who have no other chance of education or training beyond the primary and J.S.S. levels through ordinary means a skilled trade. Over the years the Skills Training Programme has helped hundreds of young people gain marketable skills, find employment and become leaders in their communities. To God be the glory.

Brother Raymond sought and was granted permission from the Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi to start the project on a small piece of land at Ketan, Sekondi. After much time spent in letter writing and fund raising, Brother Raymond had enough funds to purchase materials for construction of the school building. The Knights of Marshall, a Catholic Men’s Organization, worked with him and pledged to help finance the salaries of teaching instructors.

The first class of students, together with the help and supervision of their instructors actually constructed the school building themselves. Learning to make cement blocks, constructing the walls, windows, and doors became a part of their practical class work. Putting a roof on the structure proved to present some difficulties, as funds to purchase materials had run short.

To solve the problem of a shortage of funds, it was decided to cover the structure with bamboo poles and palm branches. This did work beautifully for a time; however, when the rainy season arrived it was found to be inadequate. More funds were needed. Generous people saw this need and contributed funds to purchase rafter materials and roofing sheets. These contributions allowed the students and instructors to complete the construction of their school building.

Although that first building had neither electricity nor water supplies the students were thankful for the training they received. During their normal school day, the students spent most of their time in practical classes and actual job-related work experiences. A portion of their daily schedule was devoted to academic studies, which included basic courses in English, mathematics, religion and technical drawing. The students were divided among the three skills being taught: Carpentry/furniture making, Masonry-building construction and Auto-mechanics/small engine repair. The programme was running at capacity with a waiting list of many others who wished to enter the program.

After many years of service in Ketan it dawned on the Brothers that they should move the school to a different location with more room so as to accommodate all those who were on the waiting lists. This new location would include new training shops, an administration office block, multiple classrooms, and a separate toilet-shower/change room building. The new facility would have electricity and running water and with updated tools and machinery. The training programme would be enhanced considerably.

So, funds were sought and obtained from donor organizations in Europe to purchase needed materials for the construction of the new school. Once again, due to limited funds, the students under the supervision of their instructors and directors built their own school buildings.

In January, the Skills Programme moved officially from its original location in Ketan to its present location in Anaji on the property of St. Joseph the Worker Farm another Holy Cross Project. To God be the glory