ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County- The European Union (EU) delegation in Liberia, along with its implementing partner, UNIDO, as part of its Youth Rising project, on Monday, handed over another modern TVET Workshops including Dormitory to the Zwedru Multilateral High School in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.

The initiative, including the Cape Palmas High School TVET Annex which was handed over last week, is part of the Youth Rising Project across six of Liberia’s 15 counties in nine schools, amounting to EUR 25.3 million under the EU’s support for technical vocational education and training for young Liberians.

Madam Lorpu Scott, speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegations to Liberia on Monday, May 6 at the Zwedru Multilateral High School handover ceremony, emphasized the European Union’s commitment to invest in the young people of Liberia which they believe are key actors for change in the process of rebuilding Liberia through the empowerment of youth in Liberia as the road for economic growth, prosperity, opportunity, and dignity.

According to Madam Scott, the European Union is together with the EU Member States – Germany, France, and Sweden – as TEAM EUROPE – “We are the major actor in revamping and building a modern TVET ecosystem in Liberia.”

“Liberia sees the youth at the center of its future development and recognizes that the transition towards inclusive growth will not happen unless human capabilities are enhanced and the quality of education and vocational training is improved to match the demands of the labor market,” Madam Scott asserted.

For his part, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, Officer in Charge of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)- implementing partner of the project, said the endeavor is a true testament to the power of collaboration involving the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Education and Youth and Sports and the European Union and its member states.

He said the Zwedru rehabilitated TVET workshops comprising carpentry, electrical, automotive, ICT, and welding/metal fabrication to be used by students of the Zwedru Multilateral High School.

He further said: “Today’s ceremony represents progress and a shared commitment to enhancing vocational education in Liberia, an initiative made possible through the generous support of the European Union, which invested 25.3 million Euro to strengthen nine TVET institutions across six counties, including this facility. Young Liberians will be able to find similar access in terms of facilities and technology across 9 TVET institutions in six counties.

“The workshops we dedicate today are a demonstration of what can be achieved through international cooperation and national partnerships. With support from the EU, this institution is outfitted with equipment and tools from Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. We are also proud to incorporate Liberian-made workbenches, showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans,” Stavros Papastavrou added.

Also speaking, Alex Grant, Superintendent of Grand Gedeh expressed gratitude and explicit confidence in the EU for such a huge investment, adding that there is no gift better than teaching someone how to earn a living. Grant noted that the TVET Center at the school will build up a massive stepping stone for students after high school to be self-sufficient.

The turnover ceremony held on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, saw representatives from the European Union delegation in Liberia, UNIDO, the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh, County education officials, assistant Ministers of TVET from both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and religious groups come together. This marked a significant moment for investment in Liberia’s educational system.

Source FPA