Cross-section of the audience at the ceremony
The Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic has officially opened the training course on Pottery Production Techniques for Sierra Leone sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Freetown.
The ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the Goderich campus in Freetown.
In his statement, the Principal of MMCET, Dr. Philip John Kanu enlightened that the training is commencing at the right time and commended the Governments of Sierra Leone and China for their support to the college affirming that this is not the first time the Chinese Embassy has supported the college.
The Principal also highlighted that the college is the only institution of higher learning in the country renowned for offering courses in Arts and Crafts, Performing and Practical Arts, Music, Technical and Vocational Education and therefore appealed to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to help transform it to a Technical University in the country.
Earlier, the Vice Principal and Director of Studies, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh revealed that the training for 45 participants, is a technical/vocational skills training program aimed at empowering youths and that it would last for 42 days.
The Economic and Commercial Counselor in the Chinese Embassy, Zhang Xuequiann asserted that the course is being sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Formally declaring the ceremony opened, the Director of Technical/Vocational Education in the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Victor Massaquoi informed that the Ministry has two major programs: Higher and Technical Education noting that the training would enhance the technical capacity of the participants to help them become self-reliant, support their communities and in the process reduce crime rate.
Ms. Du Mengyi, Project Manager in the Chinese Embassy and the college’s Registrar, Sheriffu Bangura, also made salient statements.