Bo City - This month, the International Organization for Migration held a graduation for 49 Youths who have gone through an intensive three months training on tractor operation and basic maintenance

The Training program was conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.

Funded by the Government of Japan, the Tractor Training programme is an initiative implemented within the framework of the project “Reducing the risk of Irregular Migration Through Promotion of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Support for the Youths”.

The training saw young men and women learnt both theoretical and practical skills on tractor and other agricultural machinery.

Dr James Bagonza, Head office at IOM Sierra Leone said that “IOM is working hard to reduce irregular migration which often exposes young people to face inhumane treatment in other countries. It is on this backdrop that IOM decided to train youths in Tractor Operation and Basic Maintenance under the TVET & Entrepreneurship programme so that they can be empowered and avoid going to ‘temple run’.” “IOM is not only conducting training but also will create opportunities for them after graduation through on the job training/ internship placements”, he added.

In his statement, the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Lusine Kallon said that skills training is a lifetime qualification than a paper qualification. He said the vision of President Bio is to empower the youth through skills training. “Our government believe that agriculture provides secured job & also contribute towards the country’s economy. H.E President Julius Maada Bio through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, has provided 410 tractors and established Chiefdom Youth Farms in 193 chiefdoms to boost agricultural productivity” said Mr Kallon.

He thanked the youths for proving doubters wrong and demonstrated that they can do anything towards the development of their country.

“Skill development is a concern to H.E. President Bio, as he seeks to tap into the rich human resource of the country, by investing in human capital development” he added.

The graduates were certified with accreditation from the National Council for Technical, Vocational and other Academic Awards (NCTVA) to ensure that the technical training they have acquired is recognized by employers. In addition, IOM and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security had already engaged its private sector partners including Agribusiness companies to provide internship opportunities for these new graduates.

Watch video of one of the participants of the training here

For more information, please contact Dr. James Bagonza at IOM Sierra Leone, Email: jbagonza@iom.int  or Koji Arisawa, Project Officer TVET/Entrepreneurship, Email: karisawa@iom.int