Min. Jallah Leads Groundbreaking for Modern Dormitories and Resource Center to Transform TVET Education

Liberia’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector took a major step forward today as Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, officially led the groundbreaking for the construction of modern dormitories and a state-of-the-art resource center at the Technical Center for Professional Training, Research, and Innovation (TCPTRI), located at the historic Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, Margibi County. The US$527,000 project is funded through the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative, with co-funding from the Government of Sweden and implementation by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Scheduled for completion within eight months, the initiative aims to deliver safe, affordable on-campus housing and world-class learning facilities for students enrolled in Liberia’s TVET programs. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Jallah described the project as “more than just infrastructure it is a strategic investment in Liberia’s youth and future.” She emphasized that providing modern facilities is essential to equipping young Liberians with the skills and confidence needed to meet the demands of the 21st-century job market. The Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fast-tracking the Litcom Bill, a landmark piece of legislation designed to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for TVET nationwide. “We are laying bricks and cement today, but we are also building policies and systems that will ensure TVET becomes a central driver of economic growth and innovation in Liberia,” she stated. Senator Nathaniel McGill, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, hailed the initiative as a moment of national pride and commended Minister Jallah’s leadership as well as the resilience of the BWI community. He underscored the importance of ensuring that education transcends political divisions, pledging his full support for the project as part of a shared vision for national development. Senator McGill further linked the new facilities to broader social challenges, noting that “institutions like TCPTRI are vital in offering pathways to productive futures for our youth, reducing vulnerability to drugs, crime, and hopelessness.” Representing the European Union, Dr. Anna Brososowska reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to human capital development in Liberia, describing it as “the most valuable and sustainable path to national progress.” She highlighted the project’s emphasis on gender equality and the empowerment of young women in fields traditionally dominated by men, while also stressing the importance of retaining skilled educators. Drawing on successful models in Kenya and Zambia, Dr. Brososowska expressed optimism that Liberia could emerge as a regional leader in vocational training. “With the right facilities, committed leadership, and skilled trainers, Liberia can become a hub of innovation and technical excellence for West Africa,” she said. Once completed, the new dormitories and resource center will expand access to academic resources, foster mentorship, encourage peer collaboration, and inspire innovation. The project is expected to directly benefit hundreds of students, equipping them with the technical know-how, professional discipline, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and national transformation.