Kakata- In a landmark ceremony held on Thursday, June 6, at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), ten technical and vocational education and training (TVET) teacher trainers graduated, marking a significant step in enhancing the quality of TVET education across Liberia.
By Francis G. Boayue, contributing writer
These graduates will initiate training for both pre-service and in-service TVET teachers through the TVET Center for Professional Training, Research, and Innovation (TCPTRI).
It can be recalled that in October 2022, the Government of Liberia, with funding from the European Union and the Government of Sweden through the ‘Youth Rising’ project implemented by UNIDO, commenced a 24-month TVET Teacher Trainer training course at Häme University of Applied Sciences in Finland for ten serving TVET staff as the inaugural group of TVET teacher trainers.
The keynote address, delivered by Laraamand Nyonton, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister for TVET on behalf of Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted the critical role of TVET in Liberia’s development.
“Too often people say education is the bedrock of a nation and the key to success, but I would like to stress that TVET is a cornerstone to the progress that we need to unlock the potential of our young people in Liberia,” Nyonton stated.
Addressing the new graduates, Nyonton highlighted the importance of their role in bridging the gap between formal and TVET education.
“You are now equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to transform TVET education. Your challenge is to apply these in a way that positively impacts the future generation of Liberia,” he urged.
Nyonton praised the graduates, acknowledging their achievements and the significant impact they will have on Liberia’s future.
Ms. Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, highlighted the pivotal role of TVET in economic growth, innovation, and addressing skill gaps.
She commended the government’s commitment to vocational education and recognized the EU and Swedish support through projects like the Youth Rising Project and the promoting youth employment project.
“The establishment of the TCPTRI at BWI, funded by the EU and Sweden, is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing technical education in Liberia,” Umutoni noted.
She praised the graduates for their dedication and encouraged them to continue their professional development and embrace practical skills to meet market demands.
“You have a big task ahead, but we have no doubt that you have the capacity, the will, and the love for your country and the young people who are the future of this country,” Umutoni said.
Dr. Anna Brzozowska, representing the Head of the EU Delegation in Liberia, expressed her excitement about the graduates’ potential to transform Liberia.
“The EU strongly believes in the power of education to create opportunities. With the ARREST agenda emphasizing education, your role in shaping the future is crucial,” she said.
Brzozowska reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to investing in Liberia’s educational sector to enhance youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Principal of BWI, celebrated the graduates’ hard work and dedication. “Today marks a significant milestone as our graduates’ transition from learning to practical application in the workforce. The skills and knowledge acquired during TVET training will serve as a solid foundation for your future careers,” Freeman said.
She encouraged the graduates to remain curious and committed, emphasizing the importance of hard work and continuous learning in achieving success.
Rogers Ndege, CTA of UNIDO, commended the unwavering support from the EU, Sweden, and other member states in strengthening Liberia’s TVET sector.
He acknowledged the significant gap in qualified human resources within the sector and highlighted the role of the TVET Center in addressing these challenges by providing high-quality, demand-driven training.
According to him, finding professional and well-trained teachers with modern technical skills is one of the many challenges faced by the TVET sub-Sector of Liberia.
To tackle these challenges, Ndege said the Government of Liberia and its partners established the TVET Centre for Professional Teacher Training and Research (TCPTRI) In Kakata, Margibi County, in 2022.
Ms. Sari Kenraali from Häme University presented the graduates to the Liberian government, celebrating their achievement as a significant milestone for both their personal journeys and Liberia’s educational and economic development.
She stressed the importance of qualified TVET teachers in empowering Liberian youth to become self-reliant, innovative, and productive members of society.
“You have the power to change lives and inspire trainees. This requires responsibility and dedication,” Kenraali told the graduates, emphasizing the broader impact of their work on Liberia’s growth and development.
The ceremony concluded with a call to action from all speakers, urging the graduates to embrace their roles with enthusiasm and dedication, and to contribute actively to the transformation of Liberia’s vocational education landscape.
As Liberia continues to invest in technical and vocational education, the graduation of these ten teacher trainers represents a promising step towards a brighter, more skilled future for the nation.
Meanwhile, the event was graced by high-profile dignitaries, including deputy and assistant ministers from the Ministries of Youth and Sports and Education, as well as representatives from the European Union (EU), GIZ, IECD, FAWE, UNRC, and Häme University of Applied Sciences from Finland.