Paynesville -The Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia (YOCEL) has embarked on an initiative to encourage females to take on technical courses in the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions across Montserrado County.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh –[email protected]
YOCEL is a social enterprise group that is focused on empowering young people, particularly women and girls, to engage in entrepreneurship and job creation that will boost their economic livelihood and reduce poverty.
Beyan Flomo Pewee is the Chief Executive of YOCEL. He told FrontPage Africa in an interview recently that his organization’s aim is to strengthen people especially who are living in poverty by providing them with information and means to enable them to act and move out of poverty.
He stressed: “As an organization, we believe that when women and youth are trained and given adequate resources, they will create jobs, contribute to improved living standards, and reduce poverty.”
Pewee added: “The project name ‘Youth Rising Project’ seeks to raise awareness in three TVET institutions in Montserrado County namely, (MVTC, BDOTC and Tubman High) in partnership with UNIDO, MOE, and MOYS.”
According to him, the project runs from November 23 2022- April, 2023. The project, he says is designed to raise awareness on the importance of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) in Liberia, especially awareness around increasing the current enrollment of females in TVET institutions.
The CEO of YOCEL added that the participation of women and young girls in technical and vocational training is often minimal. Pewee furthers that with the minimum enrollment 98% are restricted to stereotypical programs such as hairdressing, tailoring, beads making, Interior decoration amongst others programs which is believed to be more suitable for women.
Pewee asserted: “It is our expectation to see more female students enrolled in various technical departments. For example, carpentry, masonry, electrical, mechanical that will enable them to contribute to the nation building process and their livelihood.”
He added: “Based on the current low enrollment rate of women in TVET institutions across the Country, especially, in technical fields, we have deemed it necessary to roll-out the stipulated activities below with full sponsorship from UNIDO to address the low enrollment of females in TVET Institutions.”
Pewee added that 300 factsheets have been printed and distributed to MVTC, BDOTC, and Tubman High School -all in Montserrado County.
Pewee added: “Jingle for radio stations has been developed and aired on at least two radio stations for more than one month to contribute to the awareness component of the project.”
He continues: “Three consultative planning meetings with TVET institutions and community members has been concluded and the TVET march is expected to commence in three separates locations in Monrovia. The MVTC in Jacob Town, the WVS Tubman 12th street, and the BDOTC at the ELWA sports complex will target the total of 150 persons.”
The CEO of YOCEL stressed that social media campaigns have been conducted around TVET on different social media channels to increase awareness across Montserrado County.
He says: “We would like to extend our appreciation to our partners UNIDO, European Union (EU) and the Swedish Government for affording YOCEL as a youth- lead organization the opportunity to lead the TVET awareness project. Special thanks to MVTC, BDOTC, and the WVS Tubman for their support in ensuring the full success of this project. Special thanks to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Education as well.”
YOCEL CEO added: “I am also calling on all stakeholders in the education sector, our parents, and community leaders to join us in increasing the awareness at all levels.”