The Ministry of Youth Affairs through its Youth in Fisheries Project has on September 23, 2020, concluded a two-day training for 400 youths in the fishing sector at the Ebenezer Hall, Murray Town in Freetown.
In his opening address, Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, reaffirmed President Bio’s commitment to young people in Sierra Leone.
Minister Bangura revealed that only Five Billion Leones was invested in the construction of 70 boats. Unlike the previous government that spent a hooting Le50 billion for the construction of similar 70 boats for the Project.
The Minister added that the targeted beneficiaries are mainly from Western Urban and Rural.
He emphasized that the project is 100% government funded. However, the training session was funded by the International Office for Migration (IOM)
The Minister said that the Project will accommodate 1,750 youths nationwide as direct and indirect beneficiaries. “These 70 boats will consist of engines and other accessories all in 70 sets,” he said.
Speaking at the session, the Acting Head of IOM Sierra Leone Office, Dr. James Bagonza, expressed their delightfulness in collaborating with the Youth Ministry to deliver essential outboard maintenance, entrepreneurship, and safety techniques at sea for young people in the Fisheries Sector. He added that the Fishery Project resonate with the idea of creating employment opportunities for young people in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Bagonza stated that IOM is exploring different ways to promote youth employment which can discourage young people from risking their lives by embarking on illegal migration or “temple run”.
Dr. Bagonza stressed that the training is very much significant as it can help equip youths in this sector with necessary technical and safety skills, whilst improving their knowledge on how to diversify their income base in setting up and managing sustainable businesses which could provide income for themselves and their relatives.
The session attracted the media, facilitators from Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and Maritime Administration.
24/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7916