Education Project for 50 marginalized Liberian

"What would life be like for me as a woman if I have not had the opportunity to go to vocational school and acquire skills. How would my family including my mother, brothers and sisters be looked at in this community if I never had skills to work for my own money and support my family.  I am grateful to Camp for Peace Liberia and all the supports who have given me this opportunity to explore my God giving potentials.  I went in with nothing and I came up with something.  Today, I am one of the best local engineer in this county helping to rebuild houses, bridges and providing consultancy for other young people who are working in the construction field.  Many many thanks to Camp for Peace and sponsors" (Nancy).

During the period review, Camp for Peace Liberia enrolled and trained 28 vulnerable youths in vocational skills in general construction and agriculture. The training activities covered theoretical and practical as well as on-the-job. Small Enterprise Development (SED) training was taught at a very minimum level for all trainees in order to expose them to business establishment, management and record keeping. Fifteen (15) students completed studies in general construction which include masonry, carpentry and plumbing while 13 completed training in Agriculture. Of the total number of students, 11 were females and 19 males in the following age range: 9 students (19 – 24 years), 13 students (25 – 30) years and 8 students (31 – 36 years). The number of females was less than male participants due to the long distances students have to commute in getting from their communities to the training centre. Another reason probably was the cultural norms that affect female participation in most programs in rural communities including education and training.

The overall impact of the training has been very positive in creating change towards confidence and trust among participants and their families as well as the community members. Participants have acquired basic skills in agriculture and general building construction. These career areas remain very essential for economic growth and reconstruction in Liberia. You will note that Lofa County where the training is being conducted had a very good history of high productivity in producing rice which is Liberia’s staple food and other agricultural products. However, this history was distracted as a result of the civil war. With the help of the training, participants stand a better chance of exploring opportunity in food production and initiating self-help projects for self-sustainability and employment.

Several lessons can be learned from carrying out this project. Few among them are:

• Communities that have strong vocational workforce are in a better position to avoid rising youth unemployment.

• In order for vocational skills training to be successful, it requires the active participation and supports of all stakeholders including community leaders, business entrepreneurs, trade unions, government authorities and policymakers.

• We learned that young people can easily be changed through the influence of their friends, especially when they see productive examples.

• One of the best ways of reducing poverty among vulnerable youths is to acquire vocational skills that are locally relevance;

• We also learned that young people can be respected if they have skills that are meaningful to the community.

• We have learned that young people who are considered as threats and burdens to society can become assets if given the opportunity and support to acquire skills that would enable them contribute to the development of their society;

• Building the capacities of vulnerable youths through vocational education is an effective approach of reducing community tension and improving dispute and reconciliation among community members in post conflict society;

• Inclusive participation of youths in various development projects is key to ensuring the sustainability of peace and development in the country

Camp for Peace Liberia wishes to take this opportunity to express its deepest appreciation to GlobalGiving and all sponsors for their moral and financial support during the period under review: