MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Seven hundred fifty adolescents have received certificates of vocational and life-skills programs in New Kru Town and West Point Communities.

Of that number, seventy-five per cent are females, while twenty-five per cent are males.

The six-month program was initiated by UNICEF, in partnership with the Liberian government and the Shalom training school.

The training covers pastry, cosmetology, tailoring, and mechanical Engineering.

The program aims to transform the lives of vulnerable youth through sustainable livelihood and skills training programs.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Gender Minister, Laura Golakeh, urged the graduates to utilize the skills acquired to better their lives and impact society positively.

She also admonished them to be ambassadors of change, noting that the future of Liberia lies in the hands of the younger generation.

Minister Golakeh further noted that vocational Skills play a pivotal role in the development of any nation.

She lauded UNICEF and partners for their unwavering support in the development process of Liberia, including capacity building over the past fifteen years.

Minister Golakeh described the initiative as a significant milestone in the lives of the beneficiaries and the nation.

Also speaking, UNICEF Representative to Liberia, Andy Brooks, recommitted UNICEF to working along with the Liberian government and other development partners, to build the capacities of Adolescents.

According to Brooks, over three thousand seven hundred young people have graduated from the program over the years.

Meanwhile, graduates lauded UNICEF and partners for making their dreams a reality.

They further admonished young people across Liberia to take advantage of life-skills training programs and make a difference in society.

Graduates also received start–up kits as motivation to them in bettering their lives.