Sheku Kamara, a Sierra Leonean who once dreamed of driving a train, has achieved his goal through the Innovative Skills Training and Mentorship Initiative of Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG). This initiative is designed to promote sustainable development, cultivate talent among local employees, and foster collaboration between Chinese and Sierra Leonean staff.
LRMG’s dual-talent training program adopts a mentoring and apprentice model, prioritizing national staff development over outsourcing expertise. This approach equips Sierra Leoneans with career-advancing skills and strengthens local employment opportunities.
Kamara’s journey began with intensive training, including a four-phase program comprising theoretical lessons, practical exercises, and safety drills. Sitting nervously in the driver’s seat of the Chinese-made DF8BJ009 diesel locomotive during his final exam, Kamara embodied the aspirations of countless Sierra Leoneans.
Driving a modern locomotive across his homeland, a respected profession globally, was Kamara’s lifelong dream. His mentor, Zhang Fan, shared his dedication to teaching with a simple yet profound philosophy: “Back home, my mentor taught me this way, and now I teach my local colleagues the same way. For Chinese people, there’s no difference in skin color. We are brothers. Let’s work hard together and do a good job.”
Through this mentorship, Kamara and his peers learned the technical skills to operate advanced locomotives and developed heightened safety awareness and emergency response capabilities. Overcoming language barriers and cultural differences, Chinese mentors worked hand-in-hand with Sierra Leonean apprentices to ensure their success.
Following rigorous assessments, Kamara and other trainees are qualified to independently operate locomotives across Sierra Leone. This achievement reflects LRMG’s commitment to localization, which includes creating local employment opportunities and empowering Sierra Leoneans to achieve their professional dreams.
Kamara’s success story underscores the transformative impact of LRMG’s skills training program, showcasing how dedication and mentorship can bridge cultures and turn dreams into reality. With this initiative, LRMG continues to pave the way for sustainable development and community empowerment in Sierra Leone.