ArcelorMittal’s Vocational Education Initiative Sparks Enthusiasm among Liberian High School Students

MONROVIA: Last week, Africa Development Management Associates, a private firm collaborating with ArcelorMittal, launched a three-county information-sharing program to educate high school students about AML’s operations in Liberia.

The targeted schools were JW Pearson High School in Ganta, Nimba County, Gboveh High School in Gbarnga, Bong County, and Bassa High School in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

During these sessions, relevant information was shared to highlight how Liberia, especially the communities affected by ArcelorMittal’s work, has benefited from the company’s initiatives in basic health, education, infrastructure, and social programs over the years.

While some students were unaware of ArcelorMittal’s contributions, they were enthusiastic about is Vocational Training Academy and its potential to develop skills in demand for young people.

ArcelorMittal has invested over $7 million to establish and operate the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy in Yekepa, employing foreign teachers and some of Liberia’s best technicians for the internationally recognized three-year certificate program.

As students learned about the academy’s benefits, including tuition-free education, rigorous, transparent, and merit-based recruitment, excitement grew during each information-sharing session.

At the end, almost all students expressed a desire for ArcelorMittal Liberia to establish a similar training center in Grand Bassa County, believing it would be a life-changing opportunity, especially for those left unemployed after high school.

In Gbarnga, Bong County, numerous female students sought detailed information on enrolling in the AML Training Academy, expressing the difficulty of acquiring technical skills in demand due to the scarcity of quality technical vocational schools.

ArcelorMittal has indicated consideration for constructing a technical training academy in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

The high demand for vocational education emphasizes the government’s need to collaborate with ArcelorMittal Liberia, especially as many young Liberians graduate from universities annually without job opportunities.

Vocational education, like that provided by ArcelorMittal, is crucial in preparing young people and adults for specific jobs, such as electricity, plumbing, welding, and mechanics, contributing to the continuous development of skilled workers and enabling Liberia to compete globally while fostering self-sufficiency.