MARGIBI COUNTY, LIBERIA-Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah has emphasized that the construction of dormitories and a resource center at the Technical Center for Professional Training, Research, and Innovation (TCPTRI) at BWI in Kakata is more than just an infrastructure, but a strategic investment in Liberia’s youth and future.
The project, valued at five hundred twenty-seven thousand ($ 527,000) US Dollars, is funded through the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative and implemented by UNIDO.
It is expected to be completed within eight months, delivering modern dormitory facilities and a state-of-the-art resource center to support students who have enrolled in technical and vocational programs.
Speaking at the launch of the TCPTRI project recently, Minister Jallah extended heartfelt thanks to the European Union and the Government of Sweden for their co-funding support, calling the partnership a shared commitment to education, skills training, and empowering our youth for job creation and sustainable development.
The new dormitories will provide safe, affordable housing for students on campus, reducing commute times and increasing access to academic resources, mentorship, and peer collaboration.
At the same time, Minister Jallah also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fast-tracking the Litcom Bill, which aims to strengthen the legal and institutional framework
Also speaking, Margibi County Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Nathaniel McGill, expressed deep excitement and national pride at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Senator McGill praised the resilience of the campus leadership and the dedication of Education Minister Jarso Jallah, acknowledging the challenges of leading the Education Sector in a politically dynamic environment.
He emphasized that education must transcend political divisions and be embraced as a national priority.
The Senator also addressed skepticism from some quarters about his presence at the event, given his position in the opposition.
He clarified that his support for the initiative is rooted in a shared national vision, not partisanship.
Senator McGill linked the importance of the new facilities to broader social challenges, including youth vulnerability and drug abuse.
The Margibi County Senator stressed that without institutions like TCPTRI, many young Liberians lack alternatives and opportunities for a better life.
For her part, EU Team Leader Dr. Anna Brososowska reaffirmed the European Union’s unwavering commitment to investing in Liberia’s human capital, describing it as the most valuable and sustainable path to national development.
Dr. Brososowska emphasized that the EU’s support is rooted in a long-term vision for empowering Liberia’s youth.
She highlighted the importance of retaining trained educators within Liberia, ensuring that the benefits of education are reinvested into local communities.
She also stressed the EU’s commitment to gender equality, noting that the initiative aims to open doors for girls and women in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Dr. Brososowska expressed optimism about the pending legislation, citing successful models in Kenya and Zambia where similar commissions have transformed national education systems into regional training hubs.
for TVET in Liberia.