By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Kenema, Sierra Leone — The European Union (EU) has left an indelible mark on the lives of many young individuals in Kenema through its vocational training initiatives. These programs, aimed at equipping youth with essential skills for self-employment and job opportunities, are reshaping the future for those previously lacking access to sustainable livelihoods.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, a gathering of beneficiaries, tutors, and officials at the Eastern Technical University in Kenema (ETU) took place to express their gratitude to the EU for its unwavering support. The event, held at the ETU complex, coincided with a visit by the EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski.
The initiative focuses on empowering young men and women with practical skills in various trades, mechanics, and entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries, who were once unemployed or engaged in precarious informal work, now have the tools to secure stable incomes and improve their living conditions.
With a €13 million contribution, the project started in April 2020 and ended in 2024, with an official expiration set for March 2025. Initially planned for 42 months, the project received a 13-month extension, training beneficiaries equally split between men and women.
Speaking at the gathering, John Juana, Registrar of ETU, commended the EU for its investment in vocational education, emphasizing its role in fostering economic resilience and reducing unemployment. “Equipping young people with technical skills is a sustainable approach to development and poverty alleviation,” Juana stated. He highlighted the longstanding support from the EU and GIZ, including the donation of a 20-kilowatt solar mini-grid and the establishment of the Renewable Energy Department.
As ETU marks a decade of existence with 8,321 students enrolled, ongoing efforts are underway to address student accommodation challenges. The university has secured a 200-acre site at its Kenema campus for future student housing, while the government is rehabilitating the Bunumbu campus to accommodate students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Education.
The impact of the EU-funded program is evident in the success stories of its beneficiaries. Ibrahim Papanie Mboma, a graduate, shared his journey from unemployment to self-sufficiency. “Before enrolling in this training, I struggled to find stable work. Now, I produce packaged garie, cassava flour, coconut garie, and more. This initiative has given me a new lease on life,” he said.
Another success story is Mohamed Jalloh, who trained in auto mechanics. “Now, I own a mechanic garage and have apprentices benefiting from me. This training has changed my life. We thank the EU for their immense support,” Jalloh expressed.
The program not only provided skills but also offered startup support, enabling successful trainees to establish businesses and create employment opportunities.
During the event, Ambassador Jankowski reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills development. “This program is not just about learning a trade; it is about creating opportunities and providing a pathway to a better future. Make use of this opportunity,” he urged.
With continued support from international organizations and local institutions, vocational education remains a vital tool for fostering innovation, reducing unemployment, and enhancing the economic prospects of Sierra Leone’s youth. As more young people gain access to these opportunities, Kenema and the country at large will benefit from a more skilled and self-reliant workforce.