More than 75 young people from District #2, Margibi County, have graduated from the Charles Gayezoun Initiative following the successful completion of a vocational driving training program.
The graduation ceremony, held in Charlesville, Lower Margibi County, brought together community leaders, youth representatives, and residents to celebrate what organizers described as a milestone in youth empowerment and skills development.
Serving as guest speaker, former Unity Party Chairman Wilmont Payne, speaking on the theme “Leadership Isn’t a Title,” urged the graduates to take their new skills seriously and use them to contribute to national development. He emphasized that vocational training plays a critical role in nation-building and praised the initiative for investing in young people.
Payne also criticized the Liberia Airport Authority over what he termed weak corporate social responsibility toward Charlesville, citing poor road conditions and living standards in the area. He further questioned successive governments for failing to adequately improve citizens’ livelihoods despite the country’s natural resources.
For his part, the founder of the initiative, Charles Gayezoun, encouraged graduates to apply their skills productively and not rely solely on government jobs, noting that many companies hire foreign drivers due to a shortage of qualified Liberians. He announced plans to expand training programs, including soap making and cosmetology amongst others.
Youth leaders and the class president, Samuel B. Fallah, praised the initiative and called for its expansion across Margibi County to benefit more young people.
