By Tokpa Tarnue- tarnue82@gmail.com
Voinjama, Liberia-Over 300 young people in the northwesternLofa County have begun benefiting from a nine-month TEVT program in Voinjama.
This is part of a larger five years Vocational Skills Training Program, which is a self-initiative for the young people of Lofa being implemented by the Rural Community Empowerment Program, a local non-governmental organization operating in this County.
Officials say there will be a possible extension based on support from government and partners.
Speaking on Monday May 27, 2019 at the pre opening ceremony in Voinjama, RUCEP Executive Director, Mr. James Fayiah indicated that the nine mounts training will comprise of a total of 14 different disciplines.
He named the disciplines as tailoring, pastry, hair dressing, tie & dye, soap making, weaving, computer literacy and masonry.
Others are plumbing, electricity, auto-mechanic, driving, art paining and general course in agriculture.
According to him, a total of 356 students have so far registered for the nine mounts Vocational Skills Training Program with 149 males and 207 females respectively.
He disclosed that the program has three components namely Vocational Training, Reproductive Health and Civic Education.
The RUCEP boss indicated that the program is focusing on venerable women, Ebola survivals, physically challenged persons and street girls.
“It is our hope that these skills will help to transform your lives so that you can become useful in your various communities,” the RUCEP Director emphasized.
Mr. Fayiah has at the same time expressed disappointment over what he term as the lack of cooperation from local county authorities including the county office of the ministry of youth and sports.
He said despite the communications and follow up, these authorities still could not show up at the pre-opening ceremony of the TEVT program.
The RUCEP Chief Executive Director a total of $27,000 plus United States Dollars has been used by the organization for the construction of training centers and training materials.
“If we are supported in this process, we can assure you that this program will be extended to the rest of Liberia,” Mr. Fayiah noted.