In an inspiring step toward educational empowerment, the Sarbo Unity Foundation’s donation of the Dr. Jewlee Weah Tweh Center for Vocational and Technical Training to the Liberian government has paved the way for the River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute (RIVTTI) to commence classes. This new educational institution is transforming River Gee County, with over 250 students already enrolled in a variety of vocational programs designed to address local job market needs, according to the Liberian Investigator newspaper.
The official start of the 2024-2025 academic year was celebrated with enthusiasm, as the institute began offering classes across two campuses. Students enrolled in the Catering and Tailoring programs are studying at the Women and Girls Center in Fish-Town, while those in fields like General Agriculture, Auto Mechanics, and Two-Stroke Mechanics attend classes at the Sarbo Sweaken campus. Buildings at the Sarbo Sweaken campus were funded by the Sarbo Unity Foundation, Inc.! The vocational programs, which span one year and include practical internships, provide essential skills in areas ranging from agriculture to mechanics.
The opening of the vocational center reflects the collaborative vision of the Sarbo Unity Foundation and the Liberian government. Representative Francis Saidy Dopoh, a key supporter of the legislative initiative, praised the Foundation’s commitment to accessible education. He has noted that the Center’s impact extends beyond classrooms, offering life-changing opportunities for local youth who might otherwise lack access to higher education.
Local residents have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities the Center brings. Community members like Dorries Tole and Philip Saytue shared that this access to vocational training empowers young people to become self-sufficient, helping to alleviate poverty and improve living standards within the community.
The Center’s curriculum, which includes trade areas such as General Agriculture, Carpentry, Masonry, and Electrical work, is aligned with the needs of the local economy. The vocational center aims to equip students with hands-on skills that directly translate to employment, addressing gaps in technical expertise across Liberia.
As the River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute enters its first full academic year, the Sarbo Unity Foundation thanks all supporters who helped bring this project to fruition. With this Center now open and flourishing, we are witnessing the transformative power of education, one student and one skill at a time.
Join us in supporting this incredible journey. Your donations can help sustain the Institute and expand opportunities for future students in River Gee County.
Source: Gee, G. (2024, October 22). Over 250 Students Enroll as River Gee Vocational Institute Begins Classes. https://liberianinvestigator.com/county-news/over-250-students-enroll-as-river-gee-vocational-institute-begins-classes/
