Other partners in this project include two Liberian-based non-governmental organizations -- the Liberia Opportunity Industrialization Centre (LOIC) and the Foundation for African Development Aid (ADA) -- who renovated the premises and installed a wireless Internet connection and payphone along with Cellcom Telecommunications Inc., a mobile operator in Liberia.
Training in ICT helps build computer skills of young people and will especially assist young refugees returning home, said the ITU in a release. "Every day was a big challenge for us. It was not easy. But now I feel very satisfied and I plan to continue my studies," said Jerome Williams, a returnee from Nigeria. "We wish to extend our thanks to UNHCR, LOIC and ITU for giving us the opportunity to improve our skills. We hope that this program can be extended to all Liberian returnees across the country, expanding it to other Liberian cities as well," added Williams on behalf of the class.
The center is considered by Liberian authorities as "timely and in line with the government's policy to return Liberia's young population to constructive learning." Vocational and technical training are essential to jump-start capacity building and find new means of livelihood in a population whose education was delayed due to many years of instability.
The center, equipped by ITU to train 60 students every two months, imparts training in core computer and entrepreneurial skills as well as offers training in computer maintenance.
