Groundbreaking Ceremony Held

By Gabriel M. C. Parker

TUBMANBURG, Liberia- The Youths Rising Project, with the support of the European Union (EU), has officially broken ground for the construction of a new Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Center at C.H. Dewey Central High School here in the western Bomi County.

This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance education and youth empowerment in the country.

The project, valued at US$445,000, is expected to transform the school into a hub for skills-based training that will serve not only students but also vulnerable groups in the region.

When completed, the TVET Center will not only serve as a training facility but also as a resource for the community. It is also expected to provide job readiness training to hundreds of young people in Tubmanburg and surrounding areas, with a focus on skills training.

According to Madam Chai Matsumoto, the Project Manager for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the new training facility is a crucial part of a larger initiative to equip young people with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s job market.

“This training center will empower youth and vulnerable groups by providing them with the essential skills required for economic independence,” she said. “This project is a vital contribution to nation-building, and it will ensure that young people are better prepared for the workforce.”

The TVET Center will focus on hands-on training in a variety of fields, giving students practical experience that can directly lead to employment opportunities. “The need for practical training is clear,” added Madam Matsumoto. “We are not just building a center; we are building a future for Liberia’s youth, one that is rooted in real skills that can lead to sustainable careers.”

In addition to the construction of the training facility, the project will also involve the rehabilitation of existing structures at the school. This will improve the overall learning environment, creating a more modern, accessible, and functional space for both vocational and academic students. The project is slated for completion by June 2026, at which point the facility will be handed over to the county for continued operation. “The center will be a lasting legacy for the community,” Madam Matsumoto emphasized.

Madam Lorpu Scott, the EU Representative at the groundbreaking ceremony, also underscored the importance of the project in advancing Liberia’s education system. “This initiative is critical to transforming the educational landscape of Liberia,” she stated. “We are moving from a theoretical model to one that emphasizes practical, hands-on training, which is essential for equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in the global economy.”

The EU has been a longstanding partner in Liberia’s development, and Madam Scott reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting projects that improve the lives of Liberians. “The Youths Rising Project is a prime example of our commitment to this country’s future,” she said. “By investing in education and skills development, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and self-sufficient Liberia.”

The groundbreaking event also saw remarks from Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Instructions at the Ministry of Education, Amos Fully, who expressed gratitude for the EU’s support. “This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about creating opportunities for our youth to succeed,” said Minister Fully. “The TVET Center will help create a paradigm shift in both the education and youth development sectors. It will ensure that young people are not only educated but are also prepared for the demands of the job market.”

Minister Fully emphasized the long-term impact that the center will have on the educational and economic landscape of Liberia. “This project represents a strategic investment in our future. By providing hands-on training, we are directly addressing the gap between education and employment,” he said. “It is a step toward ensuring that Liberia’s youth are not left behind in the fast-changing global economy.”

At the ceremony, several students and young people shared their excitement about the upcoming facility. Many expressed their gratitude for a project that they believe will provide them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in life.

“This is a project that will help us become profitable and sustainable members of society,” said one of the students in attendance. “We promise to make the most of this facility once it is completed.”

The students also noted that the training center will offer them a chance to acquire practical skills that will make them more competitive in the job market. “We are eager to learn and grow,” said another student. “This center will help us prepare for the future, and we are determined to take full advantage of it.”