The keynote speaker of the 94th Founder’s Day celebration of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), Roseline Nagbe Kowo, has urged the Government of Liberia to prioritize Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) in the country.
She said in order for the country to experience fast infrastructural and economic development, BWI must be provided adequate budgetary support because it has been a reliable provider of TVET Knowledge for the youths of the country saying that it has been immensely transforming the lives of thousands of BWI Graduates since 1929.
Madam Kowo spoke during program marking the commemoration of the day over the weekend on the campus in Kakata, Margibi County stressing that BWI is a model that must be sufficiently empowered for it to continue propagating the envisioned agenda of its founders and that there should be a national policy that will embody TVET into the curriculum for all high schools in the country.
She lauded the BWI Family for the level work being done that has consummated to the institute being named among the Top 10 World’s Best School Prizes as well as the pedagogical program that is currently providing training for TVET Instructors on the campus and calls for its sustainability.
The keynote speaker further disclosed that countries that are experiencing vibrant economies today was due to their government’s support and sustained application of technical knowledge because of that Europe rapidly developed after the World War II.
“The time is now for us take TVET Programs to another level because we have failed to do so since 94 years of BWI’s existence,” she pointed out.
However, Cllr. Kowo strongly disagreed with those who believe that TVET is not an actual career path urging them to revamp and revive their mindset as the proper application of quality TVET Skills undoubtedly, a surest way for Liberian to play a leading role in the economy as such, she encouraged BWI Graduates to continue building their skills and also establish a business.
The Vice Principal for Instruction (VPI), Jacob Swee, who spoke on behalf of the Principal, informed the audience that the Tarnue Administration is indeed on the right trajectory when it comes to achieving its strategic plan such as strengthening existing infrastructures and construction of new ones including fostering of partnership with individuals and organizations so as to create a climate of excellence to improve the performance of students.
“We have renovated the Electronics, Electrical including machinery, expansion of the Domestic Science Department as well as Carpentry, Masonry Departments among others; we have also transformed our former Basic Metal Training Department to a modern TVET Center for professional Training, Research and Innovation along with the provision of relevant equipment and tools for the trade shops,” he indicated.
According to him, fostering partnership with development partners, the Alumni Associations including support from national government have tremendously enhanced their function so he expressed gratitude for the support.
The President of the BWIAA, Thomas Parker admitted that the 94th Founder’s was a resounding success because they worked together and appreciated the Tiger Class of 87-90 for their sustained support to the administration.
He lauded the administration, the teaching staffs, students on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Jackson J. Payee for keeping the torch of BWI burning continuously.
For her part, the Vice president of the Tiger Class 87-90, Thelma J. Yoko disclosed that their motto is ‘One Team One Dream” which is intended to always provide subsidy to the BWI Administration.
“We are pleased to donate to the Electronic Department three television sets, one new 65″ smart TV along with its accessories including SATCOM Package as well as two used TV for practical; we will give US$1,500 scholarship to five deserving students on merit based,” she informed the audience.
