With support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), fifty young people have graduated from the TVET Tractor Operation and Basic Maintenance training in Bo.
During the graduation, Deputy Minister of Youth, LusineKallon said skills training is a lifetime qualification than a paper qualification. He said the vision of President Julius Maada Bio is to empower the youth through skill training.
Our government believes that agriculture provides secured job and also contributes toward the national economy. President Julius Maada Bio through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, has provided four hundred and ten tractors and established Chiefdom Youth Farms in the one hundred and ninety-three chiefdoms to boost agricultural productivity.
He thanked the youth for proving doubters wrong and proving that they can do anything towards the development of their country. Skills development over politics is the concern of the President Bio, as he seeks to tap into the rich human resource of the country, by investing in human capital development.
Dr James Bagonzasaid IOM is working hard to reduce illegal migration which often exposes young people to face inhumane treatment in other countries. He said it is on this background that IOM decided to train youth in Tractor Operation and Basic Maintenance under the TVET & Entrepreneurship so that youth can avoid going to “temple run”.
He further stated that IOM is not only to train them but also to create opportunities for them after graduation. Lack of discipline in youth can cause them to miss opportunities, he said that they shouldnot sit on their certificate but try to make use of it.
He also said IOM is working with the agenda of the New Direction of President Bio in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
NCTVA Representative (Head of Certification) said all the graduates passed their exams. He said the certificate will open doors for them.
MAFFS has bought 410 tractors but the main issue is competent operators. Such training will help salvage the situation.
MAFFS Diana Bundu said MAFF has requested the service providers to take the new graduate to do intern and they will provide a stipend for them. The Chief Agricultural Engineer was present and the service providers agreed that by next year January 2022 the graduates will be posted to different districts.
NAYCOM Representative said that no form of education is small and education will bring a permanent change, enhance the better livelihood, especially skilled training.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education said the training is relevant to actualise the development aspirations of this country. He said that they are receiving certificates of accreditation, not participation.
