By Mackie M. Jalloh
His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, has officially launched the Joint Education Program at Freetown Technical College, formerly known as Freetown Teachers College, in a bid to strengthen technical and vocational education across Sierra Leone.
The initiative is designed to empower young people with practical and marketable skills that will contribute directly to national development and economic growth. Speaking during the launch, President Bio emphasized the critical role of technical expertise in building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern industries.
“The Joint Education Program brings together technical institutions and industrial companies to collaborate in training and equipping our youth. This initiative will strengthen middle-level manpower in the country and create a workforce that is prepared to contribute meaningfully to national development,” the President stated.
President Bio highlighted that the program represents a strategic effort by the government to align educational outcomes with labor market needs, ensuring that graduates from technical institutions acquire relevant skills that meet industry standards. By doing so, the program seeks to reduce youth unemployment and enhance productivity in key sectors of the economy.
The Joint Education Program also emphasizes partnerships with private sector companies, enabling students to gain hands-on experience, internships, and mentorship opportunities. “We are committed to ensuring that our young people not only learn technical knowledge but also understand how to apply it practically in workplaces across Sierra Leone,” the President added.
Officials from Freetown Technical College and representatives from industrial partners hailed the program as a transformative step in bridging the gap between education and industry. Stakeholders emphasized that this approach will not only benefit students but also strengthen Sierra Leone’s overall workforce capacity, supporting the government’s long-term development agenda.
The launch of the Joint Education Program reflects President Bio’s commitment to technical and vocational education as a cornerstone for national development, youth empowerment, and the creation of a skilled and competitive labor force in Sierra Leone.
