He revealed that in 2010 they saw the need to engage the huge number of unemployed youths in the city of Freetown by providing them with skills that will make them become gainfully employed and become good citizens.
He further stated that in 2011 they received funding from Big Lottery UK and Lifeline Network International in the United Kingdom to set up and run the Betteh Tumara Technical and Vocational institute under the Lifeline Nehemiah Projects at Kuntorloh, in Wellington, east of Freetown.
Mr. Williams emphasised that the certificate courses which they pursue for year one year are completely free and are meant for young men and women between the ages of sixteen to twenty five years and have at least the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) level of education.
He maintained that even though Lifeline is a Christian based organisation they accept students in their training courses from all religious backgrounds and with equal opportunities.
Mr. Williams also dilated that in addition to giving the students these training skills, they also mentor them which involves counselling them on every aspects of life and also teach them life skills on how survive decently, be respectful, diligent, honest, caring, how to be on good terms with everybody and be of service to their families, communities and the country at large.
Among the courses that are offer are Information Technology, Electrical Installation, Hair Dressing, Hospitality, Motor Mechanics, Plumbing, and Building and Construction.
Mr. Williams noted that the consortium of employers who have been giving their students the opportunity to receive practical job training in their organisations continue to be very supportive and co-operative with them.
He paid special tribute to Mimo, NAFARA, James International, Alatipa, Port Loko District Council, Home Leone, Sierra Construction Systems, Kamaz Construction and Engineering Services, Brookfields Hotel, Heaven Home, International Construction Company, Johnny Enterprise, EDSA Bo, EDSA Kenema, Eden Resort Garden, Jazzee and Restaurant, D’s Bazaar, Montana Palace, Sierra Leone Correctional Centre, Newlooks Centre, Wonders Beauty Saloon, Adel Designer Beauty Salon, Afromeric, Miatta Beauty Salon, and Ladies Republic Beauty Salon.
A survey conducted by this paper to get the impressions of officials of the companies and institutions where the students have been placed on practical job training revealed that their managements and trainers are highly impressed with their performance.
These officials highly commended Betteh Tumara for giving the students standard professional training who they described as highly motivated, dedicated, determined, honest, respectful, innovative, resourceful and caring of others.
