Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has emphasized the importance of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) in driving the developmental agenda of the government of President Joseph Boakai and the growth of Liberia.
She also highlighted the need for skilled workers in various sectors to drive economic growth, infrastructure development as well as reduce the unemployment rates across the country over the next six years of the Unity Party (UP) led-government.
The Pro-temp spoke over the weekend, Liberia’s development, during a program marking the 18th graduation ceremony of the Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC) under the theme: ‘Strengthening the TVET sector in Liberia’s striving economy.’
During the well-attended ceremony, 105 students graduated from the BDOTC in different disciplines ranging from Baking, Tailoring, Beauty Culture, Food and Beverage Service, Housekeeping and Braiding and Weaving.
The BDOTC was established in 1975, during the leadership of former President William R. Tolbert under the Ministry of Labor, Youth and Sports.
Since the removal and enactment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports into law, the BDOTC remained one of the training arms of the Ministry under the department Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Delivering her keynote address, Pro-Temp Karnga-Lawrence also encouraged the graduates to pursue technical education and training to equip themselves with the necessary skills for the job market, pledging her support to initiatives that promote TVET in Liberia.
She noted, “We have a very large youthful population, many of whom are victims of prior systems of poor governance, corruption, and lack of educational and developmental opportunities.”
Government is the biggest employer in Liberia and that is unfortunate. We must begin to exhibit the reputation that will attract investment, and promote the private sector; by that, our people will be employed and independent and we can create a middle class,” she narrated.
She then thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the TVET opportunity that is being provided; something she said, might help close the unemployment gaps, as graduates will then leave with professional careers that will make them self-employed, and provide professional services in and out of Liberia.
Madam Karnga-Lawrence further admonished the graduates that the road ahead will not be an easy one but called on them to be strong as they will face difficulties, urging them never to give up on whatever they do but to it to the best of their ability.
Earlier, the Valedictorian, Victoria James, urged her colleagues to use the knowledge acquired wisely, ensuring that they all meaningfully contribute towards the country’s growth and development through their individual skills.
She said, “Even though to become successful in our country is somehow challenging, we are can make the difference like others are doing but it will require all of us efforts and contributions and by utilizing what we all learned the past months.”
James then thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the opportunity and space provided them to acquire their needed TVET skills over the past months, assuring of their commitment to utilize the skills they have learned.
Youth and Sports Minister, Cole Bangalu, urged the students to remain accountable to do what is right in their profession, and added, “Do not cheat others. Do not take short cuts at the expense of others.”
“Do not mishandle the finances of others to your benefit. Do not encourage wrongdoings, and do not participate in the same corruption that has taken opportunities away from you as we all can build Liberia through honesty and integrity,” he asserted.
