By: Ben TC Brooks
The Administration of the River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute – RGVTTI, has intensified its countywide registration awareness campaign as part of preparations for the reopening of admissions for the 2026/2027 Cycle-Two academic session, taking its message directly to communities, schools, churches, mosques, and public gathering places across River Gee County.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging greater enrollment and promoting the importance of technical and vocational education as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
As part of the ongoing outreach, the awareness team has visited numerous towns, villages, and strategic locations, including the county’s commercial hub, the capital city of Fish Town, and surrounding communities.
Special attention has been given to engaging 12th-grade students who recently completed the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination – WASSCE, encouraging them to consider skills-based education as they plan their futures.
The awareness exercise is being spearheaded by Records and Admissions Officer, Theo B. Nowiney, Auto Mechanics Trainer Joseph D. Tarquio, and Public Relations Officer Bobby Franklin Winn, who have been interacting directly with residents, students, religious institutions, and community leaders.
Through these engagements, the team continues to emphasize the transformative role of technical and vocational education in equipping young people and adults with practical, marketable skills that can lead to self-employment, career advancement, and economic empowerment.
According to Public Relations Officer Bobby Franklin Winn, the campaign has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public.
He noted that many residents have expressed excitement about the opportunities available at the institution and have indicated their intention to enroll when Cycle-Two registration officially opens.
The ongoing awareness campaign reflects RGVTTI’s commitment to expanding access to quality technical and vocational education throughout River Gee County.
By reaching citizens in their own communities, the institute hopes to inspire more people to pursue hands-on training that supports personal growth, self-reliance, and long-term economic development.
The campaign comes on the heels of a historic milestone achieved on June 5, 2026, when RGVTTI graduated its first-ever class of 202 students, marking a significant achievement in the county’s educational and workforce development history.
Graduates completed training in high-demand fields including Auto Mechanics, Catering, Carpentry, Tailoring, Electricity, Plumbing, Masonry, and General Agriculture, acquiring practical skills designed to meet Liberia’s evolving labor market needs.
During the graduation ceremony, River Gee County Superintendent Mike Tarpeh Swengbe praised Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II for championing technical and vocational education in the county and commended the institution’s leadership, instructors, parents, and students for their dedication.
Superintendent Swengbe also urged the Government of Liberia to elevate the institution into a fully accredited four-year degree-granting technical college, emphasizing that many high school graduates in River Gee are unable to pursue higher education outside the county because of financial constraints.
Also addressing the gathering, Christian S. Chea, Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of RGVTTIand former Representative of electoral district 2, River Gee county applauded the pioneer graduates and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening the institution while encouraging residents to seize the opportunities offered through technical and vocational education.
Representing the River Gee County Legislative Caucus, Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II thanked the administration, instructors, parents, and development partners for helping transform a vision into reality.
“It is a profound privilege to stand among you today and witness a milestone many said could never happen,” Senator Dopoh declared. “Back in 2023, critics dismissed the vision as impossible. Today, their doubts have been answered because this graduation proves that when we invest in our people, we build the future.”
Recognized as the principal advocate behind the institution’s creation, Senator Dopoh introduced the legislation establishing RGVTTI during his tenure as Representative of electoral district 3.
The Act was passed in 2020, laying the foundation for technical and vocational education in River Gee County.
In July 2025, the Liberian Senate further advanced legislation seeking to amend and restate the Act, paving the way for the institution’s transformation into River Gee Technical College – RGTC.
Once fully enacted, the college will have the authority to offer Associate Degrees, professional certifications, and eventually Bachelor’s Degree programs aligned with Liberia’s national development priorities.
The graduation of RGVTTI’s inaugural class symbolizes far more than the completion of an academic program.
It represents the beginning of a new era of skills development, youth empowerment, innovation, and economic opportunity for River Gee County.
As preparations continue for the 2026/2027 Cycle-Two academic session, prospective students are being encouraged to take advantage of the enrollment period and join the growing number of learners pursuing practical, career-oriented education at the River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute.
