Ramsey N. Singbeh, Jr
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Following the ground breaking, the Ministry of Education or MOE and its partners are set to commence the construction of modern dormitories and a resource center worth around US$527,000 at the Booker T. Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata City, Margibi County.
Implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization or UNIDO, the project is funded through the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative and co-funded by the Government of Sweden, and it is expected to be implemented in the period of eight months.
At the ground breaking over the weekend we’re the Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Marley Jalla, the Liberian Senate Committee Chair on Education and Margibi County Senator, Nathaniel Falo McGill, Representations of UNIDO and the Swedish Government, BWI Principal, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Kakaka City Mayor, Gbarngawoe Eddie Seboe and many other well-meaning individuals as well as development partners.
Education Minister Dr. Jarso Marley Jallah described the occasion as not only about a groundbreaking ceremony but also about building a foundation for the future of Liberia.
She said that the new dormitories and a resource center for the Technical Center for Professional Training, Research, and Innovation (TCPTRI) is a powerful symbol of government’s commitment and a testament to the belief that they all share that the skilled and educated youth is a engine of the nation’s progress.
She expressed gratitude to the co-founding partners, the EU, and the government of Sweden nothing that their support and trust in the government’s vision for education prove that when they work together, they can turn aspiration into concrete reality.
Dr. Jallah added that the partnership is a shared commitment to education, to skills training and empowering Liberian youths for job creation and sustainable development.
The new facilities, she noted will provide real tangible opportunities on grounds that the dormitories will give the students safe affordable housing on campus which means less time spends commuting and more time focusing on their studies with greater access to the resources, mentorship and the and the support that shape not only skilled-professionals but also confidence and responsible citizens.
The minister explained that the project which she further described as an opportunity for many people will remove a key barrier to education allowing them to focus on their training without worrying about finding a place to stay.
“But it’s more than just a place to sleep, it’s a place to live and grow. Dormitory life will help students build vital life skills-learning to live harmoniously with others, respecting different perspectives and developing the time management self-discipline that they will need to succeed in their new carriers,” she said.
She averred that the new resource center will be a hub of knowledge and technology providing learners with the tools they need to excel in in today’s competitive job market.
Dr. Jallah indicated that the center will be a place for collaboration and innovation-a place where ideas take roots and grow.
The minister noted that as a government, they see technical and vocational education training as a strategic driver to the country’s national growth and this is why moving forward with the Litcom Bill is critically important and they are going to ensure working with Senator McGill and the legislature to ensure that it is fast-track.
She believes that empowering the youths with practical skills is the surest path to reducing unemployment, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable livelihood for every Liberian.
Also speaking, the Senate Committee Chair on Education and Margibi County Senator, Nathaniel F. McGill commended the European Union and UNIDO for what he described as a great opportunity.
He assured them that working with the Minister of Education that the issue on the TVET Bill is almost completed adding that the only reason that it is not being passed is because of a little issue that is almost settled.
Sen. McGill referenced the recent “Say No To Drugs” campaign and said country does not have these kinds of facilities available to take the less-fortunate youths from the street that can give them life and hope leading them to finding another alternative by being in the street.
He then assured the public that upon their return from break, the bill will be passed in the first week in October. He assured UNIDO of the fullest support of the Margibi Legislative Caucus.
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