By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope
H.E. Rasha Poliman Mohin Eldin, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, has expressed a keen interest in bolstering vocational training initiatives in Sierra Leone. During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in New England Ville on August 13, 2025, she emphasized the importance of supporting vocational institutions.
In the meeting, Dr. Wurie outlined the Ministry’s strategic objectives aimed at transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country. Key pillars of this transformation include:
- Changing Perceptions: Engaging communities, parents, and youth to highlight the value of vocational education.
- Relevance of Training: Aligning curricula with labor market demands through robust industry partnerships.
- Improving Quality: Enhancing training facilities, developing both technical and soft skills, and upgrading the capabilities of trainers.
The Minister also discussed the Ministry’s dual apprenticeship policy, which allows students to receive practical training in collaboration with industry partners. Plans to convert government technical institutes into community colleges were shared, aiming to expand access to education in underserved districts.
Ambassador Rasha expressed a strong desire to promote practical cooperation in vocational education, including lecturer exchanges and capacity building. She urged Sierra Leone to identify specific skill areas and potential partner institutions for targeted collaboration. Additionally, she highlighted Egypt’s willingness to engage the private sector in fostering soft skills development.
Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo underscored the significance of demand-driven scholarships and in-country training, proposing that Egyptian trainers conduct programs locally to reach a broader audience. He reminisced about previous collaborations, such as marine engineering training, and suggested revitalizing connections between Njala University and Egypt’s Marine School in Alexandria.
Both representatives reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and Egypt, which dates back to 1961, and expressed a mutual commitment to enhancing educational cooperation that addresses Sierra Leone’s workforce needs.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
