By Alex Yomah
The European Union has committed its support to youth capability specifically through the Technical Vocational Training Program under the Ministry of Youths and Sports as well as the Ministry of Education.
Speaking at the program organized by the EU-Liberia partnership held in Monrovia under the theme; ‘Developing Youth Technical and Vocational Skills for the Economy, the Supply and Demand Factors,’ the EU head of delegation, Ambassador Laurent Delahousse,, said the precious treasury of Africa or any country is the youths and noted that for any country like Liberia to develop better leaders, it must invest in the intellectual development of the young people.
“For the youths to become an asset for the country, the community, they need education. That country must develop the intellectual development of the youths to acquire skills that would be profitable for them and their families,” the EU head of delegation stated.
The EU said with their initial contribution to the TVET project, the vocational schools are in seven counties out of the 15 counties, but with the last assurance, Amb. Delahousse indicated that, the EU will buttress government in ensuring that TEVT reaches across the country.
The head of the EU delegation disclosed that what is amazing is that EU taxpayers’ money transmitted to Liberia annually can be estimated to Liberia’s annual budget which is often around US$600 million and “This demonstrates the level of love and concern the EU has for Liberians.”
“We pledge our full support to this government’s PAPD agenda specifically under pillar two which talks about education,” he said.
The Minister of Youths and Sports, Zeogar Wilson thanked the EU for its continuous support to PAPD since its commencement and stressed that the EU’s commitment to the Liberian government has proven that as truthful friends, they want to see President George’s Pro-poor Agenda succeeds.
On Tuesday, the European Union organized a forum for smallholder farmers and some fishermen with a fresh commitment to improve smallholder farmers including the fisheries sectors.
“Today, the EU has proven again to be an effective developmental partner to President Weah and the EU and its member states, embassies accredited to Liberia promise to deliver on its promises,” he assured.