Monrovia – The Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Center Incorporated (LOIC) has launched a five-year strategy plan for youth empowerment in the country.
Report by Augustine T. Tweh, [email protected]
The launch took place on Tuesday, September 11 at the main campus of the LOIC in New Matadi, Sinkor.
Giving the overview of the initiative, the Chairman of the LOIC Board of Directors, Joseph K. Duwor said the development is a five-year plan that will commence in 2019 and ends 2023.
He said that it will place emphasis and focus on youth empowerment and workforce development.
“The Liberian chapter, LOIC was established in 1977 for youth empowerment and workforce development. It has the velocity of workforce development, empowering youth especially, the disadvantaged youth,” he said.
Director Duwor added that LOIC has empowered about 60,000 Liberians youth through vocational education and other disciplines since its existence throughout the country.
He also mentioned that the LOIC is only operating in four counties: Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount and Bong due to lack of funding.
“The funds that are provided by these two organizations, the GOL and our lone partner are not enough to run the activities of the LOIC. So, Because of resource limitations, we are now present in four counties,” Duwor said.
Chairman Duwor pointed out that the LOIC is the only vocational training institution that has been providing youth development services across the country.
He said the initiative identifies five strategic areas of priorities among which are Publicity (Public relations), Capacity Development, Sustainable Development and Youth Empowerment.
“I hope that this will give us new dividends and recognition in the society so that we support the government pro-poor agenda,” he asserted.
Serving as keynote speaker, the Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance Development and Planning, Nyenoh K. Waylee said planning is a key thing in the life cycle of any institution that is focused on achieving its strategic goal.
“Over the past decades, LOIC has positioned itself through the graduates it has produced as the leading vocational institute in the Republic of Liberia”
He continued: “It is my hope that in the wake of massive unemployment and need for a qualified workforce, LOIC can be that place that can transform our youth into men and women trained in various disciplines that impact our national development”.
Minister Waylee also averred that the Pro-Poor government is committed to tackling the high rate of unemployment in the country despite the many challenges.
“Youth unemployment is a major challenge facing this country. Despite the many competing demands of our National Budget, I can assure you that this government under the stewardship of Dr. George Manneh Weah will continue to ensure that our learning facilities are well kept and well-funded,” Minister Waylee added.
Also speaking as the chief launcher, Senator George T. Tengbeh admonished the management of the LOIC to prioritize areas of interest to buttress the effort of the pro-poor government.
“I encourage you to keep it up. I am from the legislature, we do the appropriation, we will do our part, we will play our role, we will find out and lobby around for support,” Senator Tengbeh added.
The Liberia Opportunities Industrialization Centre (LOIC) is an NGO that works for the unemployed and the underemployed. LOIC provides counseling, career guidance, motivational and attitudinal training, pre-vocational and vocational training, job placement and follow-up services.