Over 250 Students Enroll as River Gee Vocational Institute Begins Classes

Published: October 22, 2024

Sarbo Sweaken – The River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute (RIVTTI) officially commenced its 2024-2025 academic year on Monday, marking a significant milestone for technical education in the county. The first semester began at two separate campuses, with over 250 students enrolled in various disciplines, according to the institute’s registrar.

Speaking at the official opening, Deputy Director for Academic Affairs Nyantee Dweh urged department heads to ensure instructors are fully prepared, punctual, and equipped with syllabi to begin teaching effectively. He also extended appreciation to the pioneering students who enrolled, marking the institute’s first academic calendar.

Students in the Catering and Tailoring departments have begun attending classes at the Women and Girls Center on Teajiliken Road in Fish-Town, while those enrolled in the Technical Department, which includes General Agriculture, Auto Mechanics, and Two-Stroke Mechanics, are attending the Sarbo Sweaken campus, approximately 30 kilometers from the county capital. The programs are designed as one-year courses, with students required to complete internships before graduation.

RIVTTI was established following a bill introduced in 2019 by Senator Francis Dopoh, former Representative of District 3, River Gee County. The bill was passed into law in 2020, marking a turning point for technical education in the region. The institution operates under the Ministry of Education’s budget for the fiscal year 2024, with an allocation of $364,143 from the ministry’s total budget of $111.3 million.

Local residents have expressed excitement about the new educational opportunities. Dorries Tole, a 68-year-old resident of Sarbo Geeken, praised Senator Dopoh for introducing the vocational programs, saying it provides a chance for local youth who cannot afford to attend university. “Since my two boys graduated from high school in 2018, we had no money to send them to Tubman University in Harper. Now they’ve both enrolled here, and I am very happy for this opportunity,” she said.

Philip Saytue, another local parent, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the availability of trade education could help reduce poverty. “Lack of trade skills and university degrees increases poverty in families. I believe that after the first batch of graduates, many youths in the county will become self-reliant and improve living standards,” he said.

RIVTTI offers 13 trade areas as part of its curriculum, according to Abraham Billy, Director General of the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB). These include General Agriculture, which covers rice, oil-palm, vegetables, piggery, poultry, and root tubers, along with General Construction, Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, Electrical work, Tailoring, and Mechanics.

AITB has also provided training to RIVTTI’s staff to ensure a smooth start to the TVET programs. Billy assured continuous engagement with all TVET institutions across Liberia, including regular assessments and technical assistance.

TVET programs are designed to address skills gaps in local job markets, equipping students with practical knowledge for specific trades. For many students, this offers an alternative to traditional university education and provides a direct path to employment in their chosen fields. TVET is seen as vital in bridging the gap between education and employment, particularly in areas where access to higher education remains limited.