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By Senior Reporter Thomas West/+231888972432
The Tumutu Agriculture and Vocational Training Center (TAVTC), situated in Salala District, Bong County, Liberia, is set to resume its full spectrum of training programs targeting the youth population. With the support of Youth Rising – EU-funded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project, the initiative aimed at improving the country’s agriculture sector through vocational training mostly for young people.
After a period of disruption, the center is now ready to welcome new cohorts of trainees. According to the institution’s Director, Prince Kormah, the program is designed to provide comprehensive training in various agricultural disciplines, equipping young Liberians with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the agricultural sector. He further that the curriculum will cover a wide range of topics, including crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and sustainable farming techniques.
The decision to restart the training programs aligns with the Liberian government’s efforts to enhance youth employment and economic empowerment. The center’s curriculum addresses the skills gap in the labor market, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. The initiative, which will serve Bong, Margibi, Lofa, and Nimba Counties, represents a significant step in promoting agricultural skills and sustainable farming practices among the nation’s youth.
“Empowering the youth with agricultural skills is crucial for the development of our country,” Kormah said. This program aims to not only teach practical farming skills but also to instill a sense of entrepreneurship and innovation in our young people. The training program will offer both theoretical and practical sessions, ensuring that participants gain hands-on experience in real-world agricultural settings, Mr. Kormah added.
He said the initiative comes at a critical time for Liberia, as the country seeks to boost its agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on imported food. “By focusing on youth development in agriculture, the Tumutu Agriculture and Vocational Training Center aims to address key challenges such as youth unemployment in rural Communities” he noted.
He named food supply for trainees, stable electricity, and additional practical tools for the trainees as some major challenges the Institution is facing as it prepares to resume in September this year. Director Kromah however called on young people across the region to seize this opportunity for personal and professional growth. He mentioned that the center remains committed to its mission of transforming lives through quality education and skill development.
The resumption of these programs is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy by equipping young individuals with the necessary skills to engage in productive activities, thereby reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic development. The center’s approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job market.
The Tumutu Agriculture and Vocational Training Center has a long history of contributing to community development. With the support of the government and its partners, it aims to expand its reach and impact, ultimately driving Liberia towards a more prosperous and self-sufficient future.
