YARD-Liberia, Inc., with support from the European Union in Liberia and in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Saturday, March 22, 2025, launched the third phase of the “Youth Rising Project” aimed at equipping young Liberians with essential technical skills to enhance their employment prospects and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
The event took place at the Women’s Resource Center in Harbel General Market and attracted over 60 attendees, including local leaders from the Unification City Major’s office, students, youth, women, young girls, media representatives, parents, and members of the motorcycle association. The gathering provided a platform to discuss the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Liberia’s development.
Dennis Kromah, the Executive Director of YARD-Liberia, spoke to the media at the event and highlighted the project’s significance. According to Kromah, the initiative is designed to enhance Liberia’s TVET sector by improving access to quality vocational education, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening ties between education and the private sector. He emphasized that TVET is crucial for developing a workforce with practical skills that align with the needs of both local and international industries.
This phase of the project is a continuation of YARD-Liberia’s efforts to bridge the skills gap in the country, focusing on empowering youth to pursue viable career paths that contribute to sustainable community development. By improving technical education and training, the program aims to address the high youth unemployment rate in Liberia while also fostering economic growth.
The event also drew attention to the importance of strengthening the connection between educational institutions and the private sector. Kromah stressed that for TVET to be truly effective, it must be tailored to meet the needs of industries and businesses. This will ensure that graduates have the necessary skills to succeed in the job market.
The launch ceremony which took place at the Women’s Resource Center in the Harbel General Market is promoting the Vocational Training Institute at the Harbel Multilateral High School site, a key location for the project, which will serve as a hub for providing vocational training in various trades, including mechanics, carpentry, tailoring, and electrical work. Educators, students, and community leaders came together to discuss how such initiatives can help empower the youth and drive forward economic development in Liberia.
The “Youth Rising Project” is also seen as a critical step in the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and skilled workforce. Through its focus on TVET, the project aims to provide young people, especially women and marginalized groups, with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
As Liberia continues to develop, initiatives like the Youth Rising Project play a vital role in ensuring that the country’s young population is prepared to take on future challenges and contribute to national progress. The program’s emphasis on education, skills development, and entrepreneurship is expected to make a lasting impact on both individual lives and the broader society.
With the successful launch of phase three, YARD-Liberia and its partners are hopeful that the project will inspire more youth across the country to take advantage of the opportunities it offers, ultimately helping to build a brighter future for Liberia.
By Emmanuel M. Kangar/ Contributor
