July 8, 2021
BY Aruna Kamara in Bo
The Training Manager of Sierra Leone Opportunity Industrialization Centre (SLOIC) in Bo, Fatorma Musa, has said that the outbreak of the COVID 19, particularly the third wave has negative impact on the operation of the institution, which has disturbed the seven hundred trainees that will be going out for industrial experience otherwise called On the Job Training (OJT).
According to Mr. Musa, the outbreak of COVID 19 has largely negatively impacted on the running of the SLOIC as some institutions where the trainees should be attached are reducing their staff because of the adherence of COVID 19 measures.
He said that 90% of the training is practically oriented while 10% is for the theory and it is expected that the trainees should be out, for on Job training but the COVID 19 outbreak is making it difficult for them.
He said that the World Bank Skills Development Fund program that will come to end in July, 2021 was largely successful with the women largely benefitting from it.
He said that about 80% of the trainees are well equipped with the skills to go out and engage in productive activities, adding that the trainees were also empowered on a non-violence approach that will be used for the national development.
SLOC training manager said that applications will be out in August, 2021 for another batch intake, pointing out that there is no requirement for admission except that the applicant must be alive and willing to be trained.
Some of the parents who have gone through the training and are awaiting to go on the job training said that they want to go out there and tell the world that SLOIC has trained and qualify tutors that will contribute towards the transformation of the youths to engage in productive activities.
Suzan Katta said that she never regretted for coming to SLOIC to do Catering as she is now in better position to cater for the stomach of people.
“I was out in the streets doing prostitution but the skills acquired from SLOIC will make me now engage in productive activities that is better than being a commercial sex worker” She said.