Africa-Press – Liberia. The Gateway Vocational Training Center (GVTC) has celebrated the grand opening of a gigantic state-of-the-art training facility in Bentol City, rural Montserrado County. Supported by the “TVET by the private sector in Liberia” initiative, facilitated by GIZ, and co-funded by the European Union and the German government, the new GVTC establishment marks a significant advancement in vocational education in Liberia.
The opening ceremony, held on May 6, 2024, garnered the presence of stakeholders, government officials, and distinguished guests.
The establishment of the vocational training center aims to address the shortfall of qualified youths in Liberia’s workforce, with a focus on meeting the labor demands of the growing construction sector.
With the support of various entities and ministries, the GVTC offers vocational training programs aligned with the TVET qualifications framework set by the Ministry of Education. Owned by three private sector associations from the construction sector, the facility will provide courses in road maintenance, construction, electrical wiring, plumbing, and additional short courses, ensuring a skilled workforce to fulfill industry needs.
Despite a youthful population and high youth unemployment levels in Liberia, Liberia suffers from an ongoing severe lack of qualified young people, and nearly 50% of young workers in Liberia are undereducated for the work they do and do not hold the level of qualifications required for their jobs. While forecasts show that Liberia’s industry will have a demand for 620, 000 skilled workers by 2030, Liberia’s economy is currently only employing about 152,000 skilled workers.
This problem is limiting the growth of Liberia’s construction sector, which is otherwise one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy with a high potential for labor-intensive work. The sector, therefore, has a very high potential to create jobs and income for young Liberians.
Since 2020, the project has been establishing a technical vocational training center for 170 trainees.
Raphael Frerking, GIZ Country Director, expressed pride in the collective effort that led to the completion of the facility, highlighting the collaborative support received from partners and stakeholders.
“After four years of hard work and dedication from everybody involved in this state-of-the-art training facility, I’m extremely proud that this has been accomplished,” Frerking said. “It is through your unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and fostering sustainable growth that you have provided a new generation of Liberians with the resources and opportunities to expand their reach and to create a more inclusive and equitable technical education school in Liberia.”
He lauded the community of Bentol and its authorities for welcoming the project with open arms, and the Association of Liberian Construction Contractors, the Engineering Society of Liberia, the Liberian Institute of Architects, the GVTC Board of Directors, and the management team for their vision, leadership, and tireless dedication.
“Let us not only celebrate this moment today but let us jointly ensure that this facility will serve future generations and exist sustainably,” he said.
Joceliah Taplah, GVTC Board Chair, echoed Frerking’s sentiments, emphasizing the center’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and talent development to shape a brighter future for Liberia.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our journey as an institution. This dedication comes as a result of immense dedication, perseverance, and hard work,” she said. “This could not have been possible without the efforts of the EU, German government, our Liberian partner ministries, GIZ, CDTS, integration consultants, the contractor company.”
“As we take ownership of this facility today, I would like to assure everyone here today that we, as the GVTC board, will ensure to take good care of the center,” she said. With the facility, Taplah said that she and her management team envisage a hub of
innovation, collaboration, and excellence “because this is a place where knowledge meets practice, where skills are honed, and where leaders of tomorrow are forged.”
Taplah added that the facility stands as a testament to the board and management team’s unwavering long-term commitment to fostering growth, nurturing talent, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential for years to come.
“As we look to the future of the GVTC, let us carry forward the spirit of curiosity, passion, and ambition that has brought us to this moment,” she said. “Together, let us strive to create a world where education knows no bounds, where opportunities are limitless, and where every individual has the chance to thrive.”
Meanwhile, the inaugural event also saw the graduation of 16 students, symbolizing a pivotal moment in their educational journey. Graduates were urged to utilize their knowledge and skills to contribute positively to their communities, embodying resilience and character in their future endeavors.
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