Published: September 29, 2025
BONG COUNTY — ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Training Academy (AMLTA) has rolled out a new literacy and numeracy program to prepare residents of its concession-area communities for future employment opportunities, aiming to bridge the skills gap that has long kept many local applicants out of the company’s workforce.
The program was formally launched Sept. 11 at Greenhill Quarry in Bong County, bringing together AMLTA Training Manager Victor Loubser, community-relations officers, local chiefs and 22 selected applicants. It follows assessments that found many job candidates struggled to pass the Academy’s aptitude tests due to weak English and math foundations.
“ArcelorMittal’s operation needs to benefit the people in fenceline communities because they are directly impacted,” Loubser said at the launch. “This training is about preparing them to be fit for their desired areas. Beneficiaries must take this opportunity seriously because successful completion will place them in a better position to access future opportunities.”
Eight weeks of targeted lessons
The eight-week course offers instruction in English, mathematics, job-readiness, business skills and emotional intelligence, with weekly tests to track progress. The initiative aligns with a directive from ArcelorMittal Global Mining CEO Kleber Silva to prioritize residents of concession communities for jobs and training.
Participants were grouped into P1, P2 and P3 levels according to initial assessment results, with room to advance as they improve. The program is being implemented in partnership with the African Bible College University, which trained teachers now deployed across Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba counties.
In Bong County, classes are underway at Greenhill Quarry, Gbarta Public School, and Rock Crusher. Trainer Ruth Kamara at Gbarta said that while some trainees initially struggled with reading and writing, “all 24 participants are now on course and expected to succeed.”
At Rock Crusher, trainer Tony F. Gborlorwolo reported that early attendance challenges have given way to stronger commitment and better performance.
Expansion to Nimba County
Similar sessions are running in Lugbehyee, Gbapa, Zolowee and Zuluyee in Nimba County, where instructors report encouraging progress as participants gain confidence and skills.
AMLTA officials say the program underscores ArcelorMittal’s commitment to inclusive development in fenceline areas, ensuring that young people in nearby communities acquire basic competencies to qualify for vocational training and sustainable jobs in the mining sector.
“This initiative is about more than immediate skills — it’s about giving our youth a real shot at livelihoods that can lift their families and strengthen local economies,” Loubser said.
Discussion about this post