Africa-Press – Liberia. The Gateway Vocational Training Center (GVTC) is making great strides in the technical vocational education training (TVET) sector, but is caught in the middle of serious financial hurdles that could undermine its progress and by large hamper the growth and development of Liberian youth.
GVTC is established through a joint action by the European Union and the Government of Germany as support to Demand-driven TVET for youth of Liberia, and implemented by the GIZ Project, “Capacity Development in the Transport Sector (CDTS).”
It was established in partnership with three private sector associations, namely the Association of Liberian Construction Contractors-ALCC, the Engineering Society of Liberia-ESoL, and the Liberian Institute of Architects-LIA to increase employability of youth who are seeking jobs in the construction sector.
Speaking at the second graduation convocation of the institution, the Center Manager of the GVTC, Abraham Wowah, recounted the numerous progress made, but said the GVTC is confronted by huge financial challenges on the heels of EU/German government’s support drawdown.
“Over the last few years we have achieved a lot; a lot of progress has been made but we have challenges. We are challenged with the sustenance of our program as the support of our international partners is drawing down or has drawn down.”
Mr. Wawoh pointed out that GVTC’s standard is high and industry driven; hence, to do so, it must be complemented by reasonable funding.
He craved the Government of the Liberia (GoL) through the Ministry of Education to come to the aid of the institution through the provision of subsides.
“We don’t have the means of getting GoL subsides. How do we sustain ourselves? We don’t want to offer TVET the usual way others are offering it. We urged the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education to subsidize our operations. We, as Liberians, need to take ownership of this program. The government needs to step in. We need additional classes. We have space and need to construct new classrooms. With the support of government and other partners, GVTC will continue to make headways,” added Mr. Wawoh.
Montserrado County District #1 Representative, Rugie Yatu Barry, extolled the partnership of GVTC, GIZ and EU that has since culminated into solid foundation of youth development.
Rep. Barry, who served as keynote speaker at the GVTC second graduation ceremony, pointed out that vocational skills are not simply an option, but necessity that reduce unemployment, expand entrepreneurship, and create pathways to financial independence for young people.
In her speech coined on the topic, “Importance of Vocational and Technical Skills in Today’s Technological Era,” the Montserrado County lawmaker indicated that vocational and technical skills are essential for national progress.
“They form the backbone of economic growth and industrial development. We cannot build roads, bridges, hospitals, housing units, electrical and water systems, without a competent workforce equipped with hands-on practical skills,” Rep. Barry told the gathering.
The Montserrado County lawmaker called on the graduates to adopt professionalism.
She craved them to seize the opportunities that lie ahead of them as they have been equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills that can set them apart in a competitive workforce.
“The progress of our district and country depends on a skilled population capable of solving problems, building infrastructure, driving industry growth, and creating jobs for others. Every welder, electrician, plumber draftsman, and building technician graduating here today represents hope for families, communities, and our nation,” she asserted.
Also in remarks, Dr. Anna Brzozowska, Team Leader for Governance at the European Union (EU), charged graduates of the GVTC and all youth across the country to take ownership of their future.
“Life is full of challenges – your resilience matters. Your future is in your hands. If you believe you can make it, you will make it. And if you also believe that you can’t make it, you will surely not. So it’s time to redefine your future.”
She lauded the growing partnership supporting vocational education in Liberia, describing it as “a very big cooperation” that is already yielding meaningful impact.
Representing the private sector, Jacqueline Allison Saye, Human Resources Manager at Firestone-Liberia, on behalf of the company’s management team, congratulated the administration and students of GVTC for achieving another significant milestone.
She praised the graduates for their dedication and highlighted the significance of their achievement.
“Today marks not the end, but the beginning of a very new chapter for you,” she said. You have worked hard, grown wiser, and built bonds that will last forever. This is a lifetime treasure,” she indicated.
Madam Saye reaffirmed Firestone’s long-standing partnership with GVTC, stressing the company’s belief in developing a skilled Liberian workforce.
“Firestone values its partnership with the Gateway Vocational Training Center and remains committed to supporting Liberia’s human resource development,” she noted.
The Firestone-Liberia HR Manager reminded the graduates to remain grounded as they transition into the workforce.
“As you leave the walls of GVTC, stay curious, be humbled and make the difference. To those who supported you, I say thank you. To conclude, in all your doings, do not compromise your safety and that of others. Therefore, put safety first. Your families await you alive and healthy. Congratulations,” she added.
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