PROJECT DURATION
Phase 1 (2018 - 2026), Phase II (2023 - 2029)
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
Liberia
SECTOR
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
About
The EU Support to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for Young People in Liberia “Youth Rising I & II” project supports the Government of Liberia’s goal to expand technical and vocational education and training (TVET) access in remote areas and strengthen the existing vocational training system. To achieve its overall objective, the project is upgrading the learning environment at nineteen TVET institutions in fourteen counties, building teacher capacity through formal vocational training and helping to retain skilled teachers to sustain progress. The project also fosters strong private sector engagement in curriculum development and career services, while promoting inclusion by creating opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and at-risk youth. Central to both phases is the establishment of the National TVET Centre for Professional Training, Development, Research, and Innovation (TCPTRI), which serves as a hub for teacher training and quality standards.
The project aims at addressing quality, relevance, access, and equity challenges in the Liberian TVET sector. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNIDO in partnership with the Ministries of Education (MoE) and Youth and Sports (MoYS), the project supports the Government of Liberia in strengthening TVET systems by increasing the employability and entrepreneurship potential of Liberian youth through strengthening market-driven TVET, building the capacity of TVET institutions and government authorities, and strengthening private sector engagement. The project supports nineteen TVET institutions in fourteen counties.
The nineteen project locations are:
- Booker Washington Institute
- Harbel Multilateral School
- Monrovia Vocational Training Centre
- William V. S. Tubman High School
- BDOTC
- Tumutu Agricultural Training Centre
- Sinoe Multilateral School
- Zwedru Multilateral School
- Cape Palmas High School
- Robertsports Training Center
- Bopolu Central High School
- C.H. Dewey High School
- Bassa High School
- Proposed Youth Center
- Yarpah Public High School
- J.W. Pearson High School
- Sanniequellie Youth Training Center
- Barclayville Central High School
- Gbeapo Multilateral High School Youth Rising I&II Factsheet
The project aims to enable Liberian youth to respond to economic growth opportunities by increasing their employability and entrepreneurship potential through strengthening market-driven TVET. It also seeks to strengthen TVET governance, upgrade schools and staff capacities, strengthen private sector engagement, promote sustainable and inclusive vocational schools, and strengthen Phase I schools for long-term impact.
Project
RESULTS & OUTLOOK
- Public authorities have strengthened capacities to oversee and guide vocational training in Liberia.
- Ten vocational schools have improved infrastructure, modern equipment, and trained teachers and principals.
- Industry and businesses are actively engaging in TVET governance, delivery and career support.
- Inclusive approaches for disadvantaged groups, including women, persons with disabilities and at-risk youth, encourage broader participation and improve retention across Liberia’s vocational schools.
- Ten vocational schools supported under Phase I implement inclusion measures and ensure long-term sustainability through continuous support and mentoring by the TCPTRI.
- TVET providers have established quality management systems.
- Competency-based modular curricula with greening aspects have been developed and validated in collaboration with the private sector in the nine target TVET institutions.
- Private sector partners have been engaged across curriculum development, job fairs and internship placements with TVET institutes.
- Female students from rural South-East Liberia have benefited from free accommodation, helping break barriers to access TVET for young females in underserved regions.
- TVET teachers have been trained in Zambia, South Africa, Ghana and Kenya, and teachers have also been trained at the TCPTRI.
- Staff have been trained on inclusive education and/or school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV).
- Skills competitions at regional and national level have been held, modelled after WorldSkills.
- Job fairs and TVET expos have been held, providing a platform for job seekers and employers to engage.
- 6,569 students graduated from supported TVET institutions for the 2024/2025 academic year, representing 93% of students enrolled.
- 62% of graduates were followed by job placement/career guidance units 12 months after completion of their studies.
PROGRAMME PARTNERS
- UNIDO
- European Union
- Ministry of Education, Liberia
- Ministry of Youth and Sports, Liberia
FURTHER INFORMATION
Videos
Meet Aretha G. Soloman an Apprentice Studying Boiler Making at the (AML) VTC in Yekepa
October 11, 2022
Meet Jennifer Kollie - Line Worker at Liberia Electricity Corporation
October 11, 2022