The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), concluded a three-day dialogue aimed at harnessing youth potential through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs. The event took place in Freetown and Waterloo, with hundreds of youths participating.
The dialogue commenced at Grass Field Lumley, where a large gathering of youths listened to key messages from representatives of the Ministry and NAYCOM. The same team visited Kissy to further engage the youths, focusing on the government’s initiative to create 5,000 jobs for young people.
The culmination of the event occurred at the Obasanjo Technical Vocational Institute in Waterloo on Friday, May 31, 2024. The ceremony featured Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, who addressed the youths in attendance.
In her speech, Dr. Wurie urged the young audience to take their futures seriously and to reject drug use. She highlighted the efforts of her Ministry and NAYCOM, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, in creating 5,000 jobs for youths across the country.
“I am an example of a young person who occupies a position under President Bio’s government, demonstrating his commitment to youth empowerment,” Dr. Wurie stated. She encouraged the youths to embrace the various skills training programs available, emphasizing the importance of these skills for their future careers.
Dr. Wurie noted that President Bio has appointed numerous young people to significant positions, reflecting his dedication to supporting youth leadership. She urged the youths to decide on the specific skills they wish to pursue, assuring them of the government’s readiness to assist.
The Deputy Youth Commissioner, Emerson Kamara, along with representatives from the Sierra Leone Police and other stakeholders, also attended the event, reinforcing the collective effort to empower the nation’s youth.
This dialogue marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing commitment to youth development and employment through TVET, ensuring that young people are equipped with the necessary skills to contribute to the country’s growth.
