By: Saidu Jalloh
In a milestone ceremony held on September 14, 2024, at Eastern Technical University, 50 young Sierra Leoneans received certification for completing an upskilling program in building and construction. The program, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and UNDP, aimed to enhance the competencies of these individuals, preparing them for self-employment and sustainable development.
The initiative, aligned with President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big 5 Game Changers” agenda, focused on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing participants to refine existing skills while gaining new knowledge in building and construction. This certification equips them with a competitive edge in the labor market.
Hon. Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, delivered the keynote address, praising the government’s progress in strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a foundation for industrialization. He highlighted the transformation of technical institutions and training programs that have benefitted over 20,000 individuals, particularly youth and women, in collaboration with the World Bank.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the alignment of TVET with labor market needs through a recent survey and called for continued donor support to establish five regional TVET centers of excellence. These centers, along with community colleges in all 16 districts, will focus on key growth sectors such as agriculture, mining, and ICT to meet Sierra Leone’s economic demands.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce youth unemployment through vocational education and international partnerships, paving the way for a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s young people.
