MONROVIA – The Government and People of China (PRC) have been lauded by the Liberian government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) for its continued support to the developmental drive of Liberia.
Mr. Peter S. Bemah, Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said China’s continued support is in line with the “Pro-Poor” Agenda of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led government of President George Manneh Weah.
The Deputy TVET Minister was speaking Monday, January 7, 2019 at the official reopening of the Klay Agriculture and Vocational Training and Recreational Center (KATVC) in Klay District, Bomi County.
KAVTC was once operated by the Ministry of Labor, Youth and Sports but suffered serious damages during the hay days of the 14-year political brouhaha. It was then restored by the administration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in 2012. But the school had been shut down for two years now, before it was again officially reopened on Monday.
“I want to thank the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China for its continued support to our development, especially in the area of training,” said Bemah.
While thanking the Chinese government and people, the Liberian government official also recommitted the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ renewed vigor in building the capacity of Liberian youth.
According to him, as the Ministry (MYS) strides to build the capacity of youth, it has considered agriculture as one of the key areas.
“Once again, for and on behalf of the Government of Liberia, and the peace loving-people of this country, we are extremely thankful for the kind of assistance you continue to provide for us,” he asserted.
He then urged the students to take the training program very seriously for the betterment of Liberia.
Mallias Z. Sheriff, Assistant Minister for TVET, recounted the many benefits and opportunities of the Chinese government to Liberia.
He pointed out that the “Chinese are not cosmetic partners”, but they are partners who believe in tangibles.
“I want to urge you; the students, to remain focused. If this nation is to progress, there must be agricultural revolution and the youth must be the pace setters of this,” Sheriff added.
In brief remarks, the Director of the China-Aid Liberia Bamboo and Rattan Weaving and Vegetable Planting Technical Assistance Project, Nie Yongdou, said the six-month program is of great significance to the future development of youth, especially youth in the western region of the country.
He disclosed that the program will train students in bio gas production and vegetables planting among others. He revealed that top performing students will be given the opportunity to do further study in China.