Published: October 27, 2025
GRAND KRU COUNTY — The Forpoh Vocational Institute (FVI) awarded certificates to 43 students over the weekend after they successfully completed training programs in various technical and vocational disciplines. This marked the institution’s first graduation since its founding in 2019.
The graduation ceremony at the school’s campus in Forpoh Statutory District marked a significant milestone for the institute, which was established during former President George Manneh Weah’s administration to expand access to vocational education in southeastern Liberia. FVI Director Gabriel S. Tidoe-Teh Sr. called the event a historic moment that ended years of public doubt about the institute’s existence.
“There have been rumors that the Forpoh Vocational Institute does not exist,” Tidoe-Teh said. “But today’s graduation closes that chapter. This ceremony proves that the institution is real, operational, and contributing to human capacity development in Grand Kru County.”
He emphasized that the graduates’ skills would enable them to become self-reliant rather than depend on government employment.
“You are the first graduates of the Forpoh Vocational Institute,” he told the students. “You are now ambassadors, campaigners, and evangelists for the institute. Use your skills wisely to help develop your communities and address unemployment challenges facing Liberians.”
Tidoe-Teh commended the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus, the government of Liberia, and local authorities for their ongoing support of the institution since its inception. The Forpoh Vocational Institute was established by an act of the 54th National Legislature on October 16, 2019, during the Weah administration.
In June 2021, President Weah appointed Tidoe-Teh as director and formed a 15-member Board of Trustees chaired by N. Swen Donyen Sr. The school was later included in the national budget and received its initial funding in July 2022. After funding was approved, the administration started preparations for the first training cycle, including recruiting instructors, developing curriculum, and conducting community assessments to identify local workforce needs. Between January and February 2023, the first group of 155 trainees was enrolled in two main disciplines, tailoring and home economics, with a strong participation of women.
According to Tidoe-Teh, the institute plans to expand its programs in upcoming cycles to include more trade areas such as carpentry, masonry, and agriculture, aiming to give Liberians practical job skills.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that young people in Grand Kru and across Liberia acquire the knowledge and training they need to become productive citizens.”
The graduation drew local officials, community leaders, and family members who commended the institute for providing technical education opportunities in one of Liberia’s most remote counties.
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