Liberia
Since 2004 Liberia’s development has improved but was interrupted by the Ebola epidemic. 60% of Liberians have little formal education, and do not have the technical and vocational skills needed to take advantage of the growing job opportunities in the country. The 1989-2003 civil wars destroyed a large part of Liberia’s infrastructure hence there is a need for people with building and construction skills
In 2018 we started the Vocational Skills for Vulnerable Youth project in in Lower Johnsonville, near Monrovia, Liberia, in partnership with Self Help Initiative for Sustainable Development (SHIFSD). This saw 97 young people complete their training in 2019 in masonry, plumbing, tailoring, auto-mechanics, computer literacy, and small business management (agriculture).
The project addresses the lack of skills needed to rebuild Liberia after the civil war, especially rebuilding destroyed communities. We are working with SHIFSD to equip and run a vocational training centre in Joe Town, a poor settlement in Lower Johnsonville, aimed at disadvantaged young people. The project involves 12 month vocational education and training in carpentry, architectural drafting, computer literacy, vehicle mechanics, agricultural and primary teacher training.