This training aimed to equip Carpentry teachers with the skills necessary to produce Wooden Walking Crutches. These teachers are employed at seven (7) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions supported by the Youth Rising Project, highlighting the commitment to bolstering vocational education in Liberia.

The primary objectives of the training were to build the capacity of teachers and foster a more inclusive educational environment. Nineteen carpentry teachers from seven TVET institutions participated in the week-long training, guided by an internationally renowned carpentry expert. Throughout the training sessions, these teachers were immersed in a variety of techniques for crafting and repairing wooden Crutches.

The significance of this training extends beyond skill acquisition—it represents a concerted effort to promote inclusivity within the TVET sector. By empowering teachers with the knowledge and skills to produce wooden Crutches, the initiative aims to remove barriers to participation for individuals with disabilities. This inclusivity not only enhances the educational experience for all students but also contributes to a more diverse and equitable workforce in Liberia.

The training further encourages teachers to integrate Crutches making into their curriculum, thereby fostering a supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. By incorporating practical skills into their teaching, teachers play an important role in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all learners.

At the end of the training, Philip Reinsberg, a carpentry professor from Austria who facilitated the training, expressed his gratitude to the young Liberian teachers for being focused and willing to learn. He further emphasized the value of the skills acquired, stating that they could be applied not only in Crutches production but also in other essential carpentry products for homes, offices, schools, and beyond.

Fallah Mathew Fonneh, a carpentry instructor at the Harbel Multilateral High School, also extended his thanks and appreciation to the partners for the training.

He emphasized that it would not only help provide a better school environment for students with disabilities but also reduce the importation of Crutches and promote locally produced, high-quality wooden clutches in the Liberian market.

This training exemplifies the transformative power of education in promoting social inclusion and fostering opportunity for all members of society. By investing in the capacity-building of teachers and promoting a culture of inclusivity within the TVET sector, Liberia takes a significant step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all.