Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
By Josiah Pailay/ Email: josiahpailay96@gmail.com/Phone: +231 881 913 880 / +231 775 260 307
Students enrolled in the Rubber Culture course at Bong County Technical College (BCTC) recently participated in a field visit to the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Weala, Lower Margibi County. The visit, conducted over the weekend, formed a critical component of the students’ hands-on learning curriculum aimed at bridging classroom instruction with real-world practice.
Speaking after the visit, Mr. Stephenson S. Zeantoe, lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Technology, emphasized the importance of such practical experiences in agricultural education.
“This trip was organized to give students firsthand exposure to the rubber production process—from tapping and processing to preparation for export,” Mr. Zeantoe stated. “It’s crucial that students see how the theories they learn are applied in real production environments.”
He underscored the need for technical exposure in preparing competent graduates for Liberia’s rubber industry and highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between BCTC and SRC.
“We are in discussions with SRC to formalize a partnership that will provide vacation employment for our students,” he disclosed. “This would offer them valuable on-site training and work experience.”
Students who took part in the visit expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing it as both enlightening and inspiring. Many shared that the experience had enhanced their understanding of rubber cultivation and strengthened their resolve to pursue careers in agriculture and rubber production.
The field visit represents a strategic move in BCTC’s broader mission to provide applied, industry-aligned agricultural education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the workforce.
