By Stephen V. Lansana
The Director General of Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA), Fodeba Daboh on Saturday, September 14, 2024, inspired graduands who have advanced their technical and soft skills in the informal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector at the Eastern Technical University campus in Kenema.
He gave his inspirational speech during the Upskilling Training Certification Ceremony organized by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Recognizing UNDP’s emphasis on sustainable development and employment, the Ministry collaborated with UNDP to launch a pilot project to advance the technical and soft skills of youths engaged in the informal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. About 50 graduands were certified in Kenema.
The pilot project targeted two high-growth industries: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in Freetown, and building & masonry in Kenema.
The Director General said that the event marks a significant milestone of the ministry’s shared efforts to enhance the skills and competencies of their workforce, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and development in Sierra Leone, noting that the Agency is also committed to fostering a skilled workforce that meets the demands of our evolving economy.
“By equipping our citizens with the necessary skills, we are not only enhancing their employability but also ensuring that local enterprises have access to a pool of qualified professionals,” he said, adding that these skills will also foster a conducive environment for private sector growth leading to increased investment, innovation, and job creation which drive economic development.
He disclosed that the Agency frowns at Companies that employ foreign nationals whilst there are qualified Sierra Leoneans for the same position.
He encouraged graduates to visit the Agency’s website and filled the online form which captured their skills so that Companies could easily identify the various skills available.
He said that the graduation ceremony is a celebration of the dedication of all the participants who have completed their upskilling programs, noting that their achievements are a source of pride for the nation and a beacon of hope for the future.
Mr. Daboh highlighted the impact on local businesses, empowerment of women through education, and alignment with President Bio’s Five Big Game Changers.
Speaking on its Impact on Local Businesses, DG Daboh explained that Investing in the development of the Sierra Leonean workforce directly contributes to the growth and competitiveness of local enterprises, adding that skilled employees bring innovation, efficiency, and improved productivity to their workplaces which in turn enhances the overall performance of businesses.
“This not only helps in meeting the demands of the market but also positions our local businesses to compete effectively on a global scale,” he said.
On Empowering Women through Upskilling, the Director General said that Empowering women through education and training is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative for economic development.
He said that Women who are equipped with the right skills contribute immensely to their families, communities, and the broader economy.
Mr. Daboh noted that this upskilling initiative directly aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s five big game changers for sustainable economic development and social progress.
He added that the initiative also supports the diversification of our economy by providing the necessary skills for various sectors which reduces our reliance on a single industry and promotes balanced economic growth.
In his welcome address, the Vice- Chancellor and Principal for the Eastern Technical University (ETU), Prof. Mohamed T. Lahai explained the project targeted young men and women who have already acquired skills in the project areas but do not have certificates, adding that ETU only improved on their already acquired skills and give them certificates so that they will be able to compete.
The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara explained that the Ministry collaborated with UNDP to launch a pilot project aimed at advancing the technical and soft skills of youth engaged in the informal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
He added that the Ministry has established a significant partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone to enhance the skills of young people working in the informal vocational sector, adding that this initiative aligns with President Bio’s Human Capital Development (HCD) agenda, which prioritizes youth as key drivers in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic transformation.
“These sectors were identified for their capacity to provide immediate employment opportunities, thereby supporting President Julius Maada Bio’s Youth Employment Scheme. The program also incorporated the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), enabling participants to formalize their existing skills and experience through official certification,” the Deputy Minister said.