Sierra Leone’s First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has donated Two Hundred Million Leones and commissioned the first vocational skills training center in Tuba Sembehun 17, Tinkonko chiefdom in Bo district.
The Adolescent and Youth Empowerment Training Center aims to provide vocational training and skills development for young people in Tikonko chiefdom Bo district.
It is designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment opportunities and become self-reliant. The center offers courses in various trades such as tailoring, computer skills training, mental work, food preservation, catering, adult literacy, and gara tie-dye.
The establishment of the AYETC is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and empowering the younger generation. It is part of a broader strategy to promote social and economic development in Sierra Leone.
The opening was also graced by the presence of Paramount Chief Professor Joe Kangbai Macavoray III, former Vice President Hon. Victor Bockarie Foh, representatives from government ministries, the Deputy Minister of Trade, the National Women’s Leader of the SLPP, and members of the Bo District Council.
In her speech, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio emphasised the role of education and skills training in the overall development of the nation. She underscored the significance of investing in the youth, as they are the future leaders of the country. The First Lady also expressed her gratitude to all those who contributed to the establishment of the AYETC, notably the EU, NAO, and most importantly, Mohamed Sillah, the initiator, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to the empowerment of the youth.
Her Excellency articulated a comprehensive vision for advancing key priorities such as education, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and justice for survivors of sexual violence. Through her remarks, she underscored the government’s commitment to fostering radical inclusivity, human capital development, and creating a more equitable society in Sierra Leone where women and girls thrive.
The event was climaxed with the donation of 200 thousand new Leones by the first lady on behalf of the Maada & Fatima Bio Foundation, stating that Le 100 thousand new Leones will be used to ensure a consistent flow of salary for the tutors and staff at the center, plus another Le100 thousand new Leones for equipment, furniture and logistics.
Following the cutting of the ribbon, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio took a tour of the facility’s premises.
