Tuesday, February 6, 2007

President Sirleaf Inaugurates UN Vocational Center In Ganta


The Bangladesh Contingent (BANBAT 10) assigned in Ganta serving in United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has handed over to the Liberian authorities a newly-constructed Vocational Training Center in Ganta, Nimba County, about 240 kilometers northeast of the capital, Monrovia.

The Center, which hosts a permanent skills training center and an internet cafe, was built by the Bangladeshi Contingent (BANBAT-10) through funding from UNMIL's Quick Impact Projects and with computers provided by the Ministry of Education.

Land for the construction of the building was provided by authorities of the J. W. Pearson High School in Ganta.
The Special Guest at the dedication ceremony, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, praised the UNMIL Bangladeshi contingent for going beyond their call of duty to build a facility that will assist young people gain skills, which will help them reach their potential in life.

Surely what they have done today, they leave behind something for which they will always be remembered.

She also thanked the people of Nimba for embracing and supporting the Bangladeshi contingent. The President further expressed her government's commitment to the development of the youth of Liberia.

As a government, our commitment is strong; our commitment irreversible. I don't care what they say. I don't care what they do; but this government is going to develop Liberia to the aspirations of the Liberian people.
Speaking at the handover ceremony over the weekend, the Special Representative of the Secretary General to Liberia, Alan Doss, noted that the project was a small but symbolic gesture of a much larger ambition to give Liberian youths hope for the future.

This center is an investment in hope because young people will gain skills, skills that they can use to compete and become entrepreneurs, Mr. Doss asserted.
The UN Envoy added that Liberians must not wait for government to create all the jobs needed by Liberia's youth, but must take the initiative themselves to create new jobs. The Vocational Center provides skills training in basic computer learning, health, hygiene and first aid, tailoring, carpentry, electrical and generator maintenance.
Tailoring class in session at the Bangladeshi-Liberia Friendship Center
Meanwhile, 450 students received certificates during the 4th cycle graduation ceremony following the dedication ceremony.

Since the training programme was initiated by BANBAT-10 in April 2006, over 2,000 persons including ex-combatants, war-affected and unemployed persons have benefited. The training has also been extended to other areas in rural Nimba County where Bangladeshi troops are stationed.

Mr. Doss also cut a ribbon at the Bangladeshi battalion's new headquarters in Ganta.
Among the personalities at the hand-over ceremony for the Center were special guests of President Johnson-Sirleaf, philanthropist, George Soros, and international humanitarian activist, Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan.
In a related development, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, will on today, 6 February 2007, commission a three classroom block building for St. Paul Nursery/Elementary School at St. Paul Bridge Community, outside Monrovia.
According to a media advisory the UNMIL Nigerian Battalion 10 (NIBATT 10) constructed the building as part of its peace building and reconstruction efforts in the country.
The program which comes on at 11:00 am at the St. Paul Nursery/Elementary School will gather top UNMIL officials as well as educational authorities of the Liberian Government, sources told this paper yesterday. The building of these classes, sources at the Education Ministry said, will accommodate more students in school as primary school enrollment increases in the post war country.

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