–As Erica Gerritsen, Director for Human Development, Migration, Governance, and Peace at DG INTPA, European Commission lead first visit to Liberia after 13 years; Tours BWI
The European Union Delegation led by Nona Perez, Head of the EU Delegation in Liberia, Erica Gerretsen, Director for Human Development, Migration, Governance, and Peace at DG INTPA, European Commission over the weekend visited Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, Margibi County, as part of the EU funded “Youth Rising Project” support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Liberia.
The visit underscored the EU’s commitment to empowering Liberia’s youth and fostering a robust, sustainable blue-collar economy through strategic investments in TVET.
The delegation, which included representatives from the EU, UNIDO, and local officials, toured various TVET centers at BWI, including the Carpentry Workshop, Electrical, Machining, and Welding Shops, Computer Lab, and Automotive Department.
The visit showcased the significant strides Liberia has made in building and modernizing its TVET infrastructure with the support of international partners.
In her remarks, Erica Gerritsen, Director for Human Development, Migration, Governance, and Peace at DG INTPA, European Commission, who is on an assignment visit in the country, emphasized the EU’s commitment to youth empowerment.
She further highlighted the importance of creating job opportunities for young people across the world, particularly through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The initiative, she explained, aims to foster public-private partnerships and create opportunities for youth employment through strategic collaborations between the European private sector and countries like Liberia.
“The Global Gateway is the EU strategy, which is exactly aimed at creating job opportunities for the youth of the countries that we operate in,” said Gerritsen. “It’s about building partnerships between Liberia and the European Union, identifying where the potential for economic growth lies, and then working together with the private sector to unlock those opportunities.”
She also lauded the work being done in Liberia’s TVET sector, particularly at BWI, where youth are being equipped with skills that are in high demand in the local job market. “The right skills are being built here in all the centers around the country. This is really fantastic work that you are all doing,” Gerritsen added.
The EU has invested €50 million in the Youth Rising 1 and Youth Rising 2 project phases, which are operating in 19 schools across 14 counties in Liberia. The program aims to provide quality vocational training and create job opportunities for young Liberians, with a focus on women and vulnerable groups.
“This investment reflects our commitment to education at all levels—whether basic, higher education, or vocational training—because we know that no society can truly thrive without a strong educational foundation,” she added.
Gerristen acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the EU Delegation in Liberia, UNIDO (the United Nations Industrial Development Organization), and EU member states such as Sweden, Finland, and France, which she described as a “Team Europe” approach.
“I want to particularly thank my colleague and friend, Nona Deprez, Head of the EU Delegation in Liberia, and all the EU staff here today for their unwavering commitment. This partnership between Liberia and the EU is one we value deeply, and I am proud to be here to witness the progress firsthand,” she said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Liberian government, Dr. Jarso Jallah, Minister of Education, highlighted the government’s commitment to using TVET as a vehicle for economic transformation and sustainable development.
“TVET is not just our present—it is our future,” Dr. Jallah declared. “The EU’s investment in this sector is a crucial part of our national agenda to build a stronger, more sustainable blue-collar economy.”
She acknowledged the need to shift societal perceptions around technical education and to ensure that youth are empowered not just with skills, but also with the capacity to become entrepreneurs.
“Our goal is to equip young people not only with technical skills but also with entrepreneurial abilities to create their own sustainable livelihoods. With Liberia’s youth comprising over 60% of the population, empowering them is essential to our country’s future,” she said.
Dr. Jallah praised the establishment of modern TVET facilities, describing them as “symbols of technological advancement and a testament to our shared commitment to education and innovation.” However, she also acknowledged existing challenges, particularly in increasing female participation and ensuring teacher retention.
“As you heard from Mr. Ndege’s report, there is still work to do—especially in increasing female enrollment and ensuring our trained instructors are retained within the system. We must also explore more sustainable financing models to maintain these initiatives in the long run,” she said.
She called on the EU to expand its support for emerging sectors like ecotourism, which aligns with Liberia’s national development agenda.
“We are actively exploring the expansion of ecotourism programs as part of the Youth Rising project’s next phase. We believe that by tailoring our TVET programs to the specific needs of different counties, we can maximize their impact and ensure local relevance,” Dr. Jallah added.
Dr. Jallah concluded with a call to action: “In everything we do, we must ‘Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.’ Together with our international partners, we can create a brighter future for our youth and our nation.”
Providing a detailed overview of the project’s progress, Mr. Rogers Ndege, Chief Technical Advisor and Project Manager of the Youth Rising Project under UNIDO, outlined key achievements and future goals.
“Our primary objective is to improve the quality and relevance of TVET education,” Ndege explained. “Previously, the TVET sector was disconnected from industry needs. Today, we ensure that the private sector is actively involved in shaping the curriculum and governing the schools.”
Ndege highlighted how the Youth Rising Project has expanded access to TVET institutions across Liberia.
“The first EU-funded phase covered five counties, while the second phase extends to eight additional counties, ensuring that at least one fully functional TVET institution exists in every county. This expansion also prioritizes vulnerable groups, including women and marginalized youth,” he said.
He emphasized that the project is not only about technical training but also about fostering stronger governance and partnerships.
“At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure that graduates can find meaningful employment. If TVET does not lead to job opportunities, it will not fulfill its purpose,” he stressed.
Ndege also revealed that the second phase of the Youth Rising Project, valued at €25 million, will continue until November 2029, focusing on improving local training capacity and expanding the scope of programs offered.
“Initially, we had to send instructors abroad for training, but now, thanks to partnerships with institutions like Häme University of Applied Sciences in Finland, we can train them locally,” Ndege noted.
He praised the collaborative approach with other international partners, including the French-funded AFD program and the German-EU co-funded initiative, ensuring no duplication of efforts and a more cohesive national TVET strategy.
The Youth Rising project, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is supported by the EU and other international donors, including Sweden and France. The program’s success hinges on strong partnerships, effective governance, and industry collaboration.
In closing, both Gerritsen and Jallah reiterated the importance of the collaborative efforts between Liberia and its international partners. Gerritsen emphasized that such initiatives are not just about the present but also about building a prosperous future for Liberia’s youth. “These efforts are a testament to the collaborative spirit between the government and our international partners,” she said. “Together, through sustained collaboration and innovation, we can empower our youth and create meaningful job opportunities, building a brighter future for Liberia.”
