Cestos City, Rivercess County — Several prospective graduating female students of the Tabitha Vocational Training Institute have called on their peers across Rivercess County to take advantage of vocational education as a pathway to self-reliance and community development.
Speaking to Verity News, Mardea C. D. Zammie, Barbre Weh and Theresa Dixon appealed to well-meaning citizens, philanthropists and the Government of Liberia to create job opportunities for graduates who are now stepping out with practical vocational skills.
Mardea Zammie, a student of Methodology, said the five-month training has transformed her life. She explained that she has learned hair plaiting, facial makeup, nail cleaning and foot care, skills she believes will empower her and her family. According to her, the training has prepared her to serve her community with confidence and dignity, while she also called on partners to support graduates with tools and opportunities to continue practicing after graduation.
“I see myself ready to work and help my people,” Zammie said, stressing that vocational education provides a realistic way for young women to become independent.
For her part, Barbre Weh, a student in the electrical department, said she entered the institution with no knowledge of electricity but now has the ability to climb electrical poles and wire an entire house. She described the experience as life-changing and a source of hope for her family’s future.
“I never knew anything about electricity before, but now I can do wiring and installations,” Weh said. She urged the government and development partners to provide employment opportunities for graduates, noting that they are the first batch of students to complete training at the institute.
Meanwhile, Theresa Dixon of the Tie and Dye department said her motivation to enroll was driven by challenges in her community, especially the lack of basic items such as washing and bathing soap. She explained that she now produces soap for community members and believes it will be of great benefit to local residents.
Dixon also highlighted her skills in fabric dyeing, explaining how different colors are mixed with chemicals and tied into fabric to create attractive designs. “You can mix the colors, tie the shirt and put it in the chemical. When you remove it, you will get a nice look,” she said proudly.
Recalling her first experience making soap, Dixon said her mother initially doubted her ability. “I told her I can make soap, and she said, ‘move away from my ear girl,’” Dixon laughed. However, after she later produced soap at home and her mother used it, she was so impressed that she promised to provide materials to support her daughter’s work.
With growing confidence and real-world skills, the young women of Tabitha Vocational Training Institute say they are ready to serve their communities, but they need opportunities, tools and support to turn their training into sustainable livelihoods.
