By George M.O. Williams
In a major move to bolster technical education and agricultural productivity, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has officially launched the UNESCO-funded Better Education for Africa’s Rise Project (BEAR-3) at the Eastern Technical University in Kenema.
The five-year initiative, financed by South Korea’s Ministry of Education, is aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector and is a critical part of the Government’s Feed Salone initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, highlighted that BEAR-3’s objectives align closely with Sierra Leone’s national development strategy. “BEAR-3 will enhance productivity, improve food security and reduce import dependence by focusing on agricultural value chains for key crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava,” he noted. The project also emphasizes post-harvest management, aiming to minimize food loss and improve local production.
The ceremony attracted a diverse audience, including members of the UN Country Team, Abdourahamane Diallo, UNESCO Head of the Abuja Office and UNESCO’s Regional Coordinator Manish Joshi. National stakeholders including Vice Chancellor and Principal of Eastern Technical University, Prof. M.T. Lahai and representatives from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) were also in attendance, underscoring the widespread support for the project’s mission.
Deputy Minister, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, emphasized the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Sierra Leone’s development strategy, hailing BEAR-3 as a step forward in transforming the nation. “This initiative is part of an ambitious vision to reshape Sierra Leone’s future, where TVET plays a crucial role,” he stated. “Our trajectory toward sustainable development will be realized as we strengthen TVET systems and every stakeholder, including development partners, has a role to play.”
Acknowledging President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to education reform, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara credited the President for establishing the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in 2018. The Ministry, he said, was tasked with advancing TVET as a foundation for sustainable development. “Our collaborations with Government agencies and development partners demonstrate our commitment to equipping Sierra Leone’s population with essential skills for self-employment and sustainable development,” he added.
The Deputy Minister referenced the Government’s adherence to international development frameworks, including the SDG 2030 Agenda, AU Agenda 2063 and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s accomplishments in TVET, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara noted the transformative work over the past six years. “We’ve shifted perceptions, made TVET attractive, and we are building on our successes,” he remarked. “With funding from the World Bank, we’ve trained over 20,000 individuals, primarily youth and women and are actively pursuing a second phase of the Skills Development Project.” He highlighted recent advancements, including upgrading Eastern Polytechnic and Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) to technical universities, a move that lays the groundwork for imparting 21st-century skills in science, technology and innovation in Sierra Leone’s workforce.
In supporting TVET’s growth, the Ministry has adopted global best practices and conducted study tours in Korea, Japan, China, Kenya and Ghana. The Deputy Minister shared that progress made in creating a Demand Assessment Profile (DAP) and nearing the finalization of a National Qualification Framework (NQF) focused on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). A comprehensive labor market survey has also been conducted to ensure alignment between educational programs and industry needs, helping to create a skilled, employable workforce. The Ministry is actively collaborating with the private sector to foster job opportunities, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara said.
The deputy minister expressed gratitude to UNESCO for their collaboration on the BEAR-3 project and to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its partnership in implementing the project. He also conveyed hopes that the project would attract additional support from development partners. The Ministry extended its appreciation to the BEAR-3 project team and the steering and technical committees for their hard work and dedication.
The highlight of the event was the Deputy Minister’s formal inauguration of the BEAR-3 project’s steering and technical committees, tasked with overseeing the project’s successful implementation. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara also commended the dedication of Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, for her leadership in ensuring the Ministry’s commitment to nationwide TVET expansion in partnership with Government and development allies.