By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Deputy Minister for Youth and Sport Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton, in remarks delivered during the 22nd Anniversary of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord (ACPA), emphasized the crucial role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Liberia’s post-conflict development and economic growth.
Opening his address, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to Professor Debey and collaborating organizations for hosting the event, and recognized keynote speakers Dr. Josiah Joekai and Professor Dr. Barbu of the Office of War and Economic Crimes, along with past and present government officials.
Reflecting on Liberia’s journey from conflict to peace, the Deputy Minister Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton stated, “Liberia has risen from the ashes of war through collective efforts by citizens, religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Institutions like the Arma Institute for Conflict Transformation now stand tall as beacons of scholarly inquiry and practical policy engagement, helping sustain the peace dividends we enjoy today.”Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton said
The Deputy Minister underscored that skills development through TVET is essential for human capital growth. “Improving the skills, knowledge, and abilities of citizens enhances their economic potential and well-being. Twenty-two years after the silencing of the guns, Liberia still faces an acute skills deficit, highlighting the urgent need to align education with labor market demands.”
According to the Deputy Minister Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton mentioned that over the past decade, Liberia has made significant strides in TVET, including the development of the National TVET Policy, expansion of TVET infrastructure, creation of standardized curricula across 14 disciplines, establishment of a National Hospitality Training Hotel, launch of the National TVET Training Center for Research & Innovation, agroforestry and irrigation programs, gender safeguarding policies, and passage of the TVET Liberia Commission Act of 2024.
He stated, despite these efforts, challenges remain, including inequitable distribution of TVET services, limited numbers of qualified instructors, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient funding.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister shared a vision for the future of TVET in Liberia, with the creation of the Liberia TVET Commission, a $40 million investment over five years to improve infrastructure, and the introduction of digital-era experimental learning programs.
” TVET in Liberia will achieve US 40 million investment with in the next five years towards improve infrastructure and digital experimental program.” Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton said.
Concluding his address, he called on all citizens to support Liberia’s TVET initiatives, saying, “TVET is not just the responsibility of policymakers and stakeholders. Every citizen has a role in skilling the next generation, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and building a prosperous nation.”Laraamand Shenkin Nyonton declare.
He conclud by saying that,TVET program across the country need to be financial supportive from budgetary increasement to implement it functions in the 15 Counties.
” TVET need to be supportive from budgetary increasement to implement it functions across the country.
