Liberia: BDOTC Holds 19th Graduation as Several Young Females Gain Vocational Skills for Economic Independence

Monrovia –The Ministry of Youth and Sports-run Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC) held its 19^th graduation ceremony with 220 graduates who completed various vocational and technical training programs.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

The ceremony, held at the SKD Basketball Gymnasium in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, saw women, particularly girls and young women, earning various vocational skills that will make them economically independent in the future.

BDOTC is a prominent public vocational institution in Liberia, managed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Established in 1975, its primary mission is to empower disadvantaged youth – particularly young women and girls with employable, self-sustainable skills. The institution’s offered courses/disciplines include Baking and Sugar Craft; Cookery, Food and Beverage and Waitressing; Event Decoration; Fashion Design and Tailoring; Beauty Culture and Braiding/Weaving; Housekeeping and Front Office Management; and Computer and ICT, among others.

Accordingly, the 19^th graduation convocation brought together an array of government officials, educators, partners, students, and family members to recognize the institution’s contribution to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Liberia.

Speaking at the program, the Deputy Minister for TVET at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Laraamond S. Nyonton, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening TVET programs across Liberia through reforms focused on accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery.

While congratulating the 220 graduates and extolling the management and instructors of BDOTC for their dedication to vocational education, Deputy Minister Nyonton revealed that efforts being made for the reopening of several vocational centers across the country, including the TUTUMU Center, while discussions continue for facilities in Clay and Zwedru.

Mr. Nyonton disclosed that the 19^th graduating class was the first to benefit from the institution’s newly renovated facilities, made possible through the support of partners including the European Union and UNIDO.

The Deputy Minister also announced plans to expand programs in fashion design, beauty therapy, cake decoration, event management, tourism, and hospitality to equip students with modern entrepreneurial and professional skills.

Also speaking on behalf of the Director General of the Liberia National Tourism Authority, Princess Iwa Cooper, Madam Juanita Y. Yieh emphasized the importance of tourism, hospitality, and TVET in Liberia’s national development agenda.

Madam Yieh noted that tourism and hospitality remain important sectors capable of creating employment opportunities and empowering young people through practical skills training.

According to her, institutions such as BDOTC continue to play a major role in preparing young Liberians for careers in tourism, customer service, hospitality management, and other vocational fields.

She indicated that strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training is critical to improving service delivery and building a professional workforce that can support Liberia’s growing tourism industry.

The LNTA official then encouraged the graduates to use their acquired knowledge and skills to contribute positively to national development while promoting professionalism and excellence within the hospitality and tourism sectors.