September 15, 2021
By: Dadson A. Musa
The International Organization For Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs has given certificates to youths trained in tractor operation and basic maintenance.
As agriculture on a commercial basis gains momentum in this country, mechanized farming has been seen as the way out of food insecurity and also out of poverty. The old ways of farming which has been manual brought very little development for the people and for the country as a whole. Government is therefore embarking on a food security drive for youths to be trained to take agriculture as a means of livelihood which can help stop the importation of the country`s staple food, rice.
49 youths were trained across the country on how to drive a tractor and also do basic maintenance in the event the tractor breaks down.
The training was funded by the Japanese people but was implemented by the IOM in partnership with the ministry of youth affairs. The certification ceremony took place at the YMCA hall, Kandeh town in Bo on the 14th September 2021.
Chaired by Patrick Gibrilla the certification ceremony was well attended by graduating trainees both male and female in the presence of their relatives and partners.
Nabieu Kamara, one of the instructors expressed how pleased he was to see his trainees receive certificates after 2 months and 2 weeks of training.
‘….i have no doubt that these crop of trained and certified youths can deliver’, Mr Kamara said.
Acknowledging the role played by the Japanese government through IOM. Some of the certified trainees were given the chance to highlight the basics about the training they went through. And they revealed that it was meant to help ensure ‘food security and to also reduce poverty in the country.
The keynote speaker at the event was Victor Lahai Muana who is the Director of Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Youths.
He told the certified youths that their training should impact family, community and country as a whole.
Mr. Muana further entreated them not to see it as small step but to view it as a humble beginning that can achieve so much for them. The way forward for this country and encouraged them to go out and apply themselves properly.
He told them that the skills they have acquired can put them at the height of society if they conduct themselves well. Gone are the days when education or empowerment was only about university degree acquisition.
Livelihood skills development has proven to be very essential in life. The project is targeting about 2000 youths countrywide.
Certificates were given to 49 deserving youth graduates which formed the climax of the occasion.