-As Supt. Gono Urges Women’s Independence
By Shallon S. Gonlor
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Fifty-one young women in Nimba County have earned technical and vocational training certificates, highlighting growing efforts by women to stop financial dependency on male partners, acquire marketable technical skills, and achieve economic independence.
The women were among 190 trainees, including 139 males, who graduated on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from the First Impression Training Center Inc., a technical and vocational training institution based in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, following the institution’s successful completion of its first training cohort.
The graduates received certificates in Light-Duty Vehicle Operation, Haul Truck Operation, Wheel Loader Operation, and Excavator Operation after completing two months of theoretical instruction and four months of practical training.
The participation of 51 women in the traditionally male-dominated technical fields reflects growing opportunities for women to acquire professional competencies, compete for employment, and contribute to the industrial and construction sectors.
Supt. Gono Urges Women to Break Financial Dependency
Delivering the keynote address, Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono congratulated the female graduates and encouraged fellow young women to pursue economic independence and reject the public perception that technical professions are exclusively for men.
Gono emphasized that women can become heavy-duty equipment operators, electricians, programmers, welders, machinists, and successful business owners if given the necessary training and opportunities.
She urged the graduates to recognize their abilities, develop their skills, and build careers based on their knowledge, determination, and professional competence.
“Our future should be determined by our ability, training, skills, and determination,” Gono said, encouraging young women to take advantage of opportunities in technical and vocational education.
She also called on parents, guardians, and family members to support girls pursuing technical professions, just as they encourage boys to enter similar fields.
According to the superintendent, empowering women through professional training benefits not only individual graduates but also their families, communities, and the country as a whole.
“When a woman succeeds, our families, community, and country benefit,” she emphasized.
Gono further encouraged the graduates not to fear failure, describing it as part of the process of learning, growing, and achieving success.
She outlined three major principles for the graduates: continuously improving their skills, turning their knowledge into practical opportunities, and protecting their professional reputations.
The superintendent advised them not to rely solely on employment opportunities from government institutions or private companies but to explore ways of applying their skills within their communities.
She encouraged the graduates to identify local needs, develop small businesses where possible, and gradually build sustainable livelihoods through their technical expertise.
Gono also stressed the importance of honesty, punctuality, discipline, and professionalism, noting that an individual’s character and work ethic can open doors to future employment and business opportunities.
She challenged the graduates to become problem-solvers who use their technical knowledge to repair equipment, improve infrastructure, serve their communities, and contribute to national development.
“May your skills become your opportunity, may your work establish your reputation, and may your success contribute to the development of Nimba County and Liberia at large,” Gono told the female graduates.
During the ceremony, the 1st commencement speaker of First Impression Training Center also honored Darlington Siaway, founder of First Impression Training Center Inc., in recognition of his efforts to address unemployment and the shortage of technical skills among young people in Nimba County.
Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono commended Mr. Siaway for establishing an institution that provides practical training opportunities for young Liberians seeking professional skills to improve their employment prospects.
She noted that the initiative represents an important step toward addressing the country’s technical education needs by equipping young people with practical competencies rather than merely highlighting the challenges of unemployment.
“What I appreciate most is the vision behind this initiative. The founder identified a problem in technical-sector education. Instead of simply complaining about unemployment, the founder created an opportunity for young people to acquire marketable skills,” Gono said.
Supt. Gono further acknowledged the importance of financial supporters and institutional partners in strengthening technical and vocational education.
She encouraged the training center to continue improving the quality of its programs, expanding partnerships, and establishing connections between graduates and potential employers, projects, and business opportunities.
Gono further called on educational institutions and policymakers to give greater attention to technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, and practical learning that responds to the country’s workforce needs.
She emphasized that Liberia’s development requires skilled workers capable of supporting infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, electricity, housing, and sanitation.
According to her, vocational education should not be viewed as inferior to other forms of education but as an important pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and national development.
She reminded the graduates that completing their training was only the beginning of their professional responsibilities.
“You have acquired skills. Now the community and society are going to need you to put those skills to work,” Gono said.
She also urged the graduates to prioritize workplace safety, properly maintain equipment, and demonstrate the competence and discipline required to succeed in their chosen professions.
Established in January 2026, First Impression Training Center Inc. began training operations in February of the same year, offering four technical programs intended to equip young Liberians with industry-relevant competencies.
The institution seeks to prepare trainees for employment while strengthening the technical workforce available to ArcelorMittal Liberia, other private companies, and government institutions that operate heavy-duty equipment.
Its stated approach gives priority to qualified applicants from Nimba County while preparing graduates to pursue opportunities within the broader labor market.
According to its mission, the center aims to transfer technical knowledge and practical skills while instilling professionalism, discipline, and a strong work ethic in its trainees.
The institution also intends to develop its courses in consultation and cooperation with international training institutions to ensure that its programs remain relevant to industry standards and operational requirements.
Its vision emphasizes operational excellence, sustainable growth, and the proper care, maintenance, and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.
Unlike training programs that rely primarily on simulated exercises, First Impression Training Center Inc. conducts its practical instruction using real equipment, allowing trainees to gain direct experience operating machinery under practical conditions.
The institution says this approach is intended to prepare graduates for the demands of the workplace and improve their readiness for employment.
Of the 205 students reportedly enrolled in the first cohort, 190 successfully completed the program and graduated, while preparations are underway to certify another group of trainees.
According to information provided about the institution, 215 trainees are currently undergoing practical instruction as part of its second cohort, indicating continued interest in technical and vocational education in Nimba County.
The graduation highlights the potential of technical and vocational education to empower young Liberians, expand employment opportunities, and strengthen the country’s skilled workforce.
With its emphasis on practical experience and industry-relevant training, First Impression Training Center Inc. aims to contribute to workforce development in Nimba County and Liberia at large.
