GIZ, Partners Host First Graduation Ceremony for Gateway Vocational Training Program
By: Laymah Kollie
Bentol City-May 6,2024: The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ) with funding support from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on May 6, 2024 graduated sixteen (16) students from a year long in Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET).
GIZ is also in partnership with Firestone, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports amongst others.
The project titled: “TVET by the private sector in Liberia”, graduated students in road maintenance and construction, electrical wiring and solar technology, plumbing and pipefitting e.t.c.
During the program, Raphael Frerking , Country Director of GIZ urged Liberians to not only celebrate the physical presence of the facility but to recognize the potential it holds to transform lives and destinies.
“As we inaugurate this training facility, let us not only celebrate its physical presence but also recognize the potential it holds to transform lives and shape the future”, he said.
Adding, “It is a testament to our collective commitment to innovation, excellence, and lifelong learning. Let us not only celebrate this moment today but let us jointly ensure that this facility will serve future generations and exist in a sustainable way” the GIZ Country Director asserted.
He further admonished the graduates to make significant use of the knowledge acquired, stressing, “to the graduates, as you embark on this new chapter of your lives, i urge you to remember the significance of this moment. Your journey has been enriched by the support of these esteemed organizations, and it is now your responsibility to pay it forward by using your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in your communities and beyond”.
Also, Madam Joceliah Taplah, Board Chair of GVTC applauded GIZ and partners for the initiative.
“I would like to Appreciate GIZ for their contribution to the GVTC. We as the Board of Directors envisioned it as a core of dedication and excellence” She said.
Moreover, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to the process.
Asst. Minister for Planning and Research Development ,Thomas M. Parker said “the ministry of Education is willing to work with you. We are concern about the sustainability plan of this facility”.
At the same time, German Ambassador , Dr. Jakob Haselhuber lauded partners for a Successful completion of the project”
“It’s basically a privilege to see the project from the start to the end. GVTC center is an example of cooperation between the private and public sector”
Remarking at the ceremony, Head of European Union Delegation, Ms. Nona Deprez said the GVTC should build on reputation of excellence and promote Gender Equality.
“It’s very important that TVET institutions become financially sustainable. TVET needs to promote Gender Equality”
Meanwhile, Mr. Abraham Wowah, GVTC Center Manager reassured partners of their ability to smoothly operate the day today activities of the Institution.
“I’m filled with joy today. This journey has not been easy. I want to assure you that, with this keys, trust us. Come next year, three years after we will always have graduation ceremonies here”
Princess Lartoe, a graduate of Plumbing and Pipefitting spoke on behalf of the class. “We are thankful to the management of GVTC for installing in us these skills for our life time”.
The occasion however, covered the official opening and turnover ceremony of the facility to the management of Gateway Vocational Training Center. The facility construction which commenced in 2020 was built by GIZ in and partners.
