50 Sierra Leoneans Graduate from UNDP-Supported Construction Training Program

September 16, 2024

On September 14, 2024, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, in partnership with the UNDP, awarded certificates to 50 participants who completed a construction and building skills program at Eastern Technical University. This initiative is part of President Julius Maada Bio’s "Big 5 Game Changers" agenda, designed to empower young people with essential skills for self-employment and sustainable growth.

The UNDP-supported training focused on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing participants to build on their existing skills while gaining new expertise in construction. This certification is expected to give them a competitive advantage in the job market.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Hon. Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, praised the government's efforts in expanding technical and vocational education (TVET) to promote industrialization. He highlighted that over 20,000 people, especially youth and women, have benefited from these programs in partnership with the World Bank.

He also discussed plans to establish five regional TVET centers of excellence, which will focus on key sectors like agriculture, mining, and ICT, aligning vocational education with the country’s economic needs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce youth unemployment through skills development and international cooperation.