Over 500 residents of Gbarpolu County at the weekend received certificates following months of intensive training in various skills and techniques. The program was facilitated by an NGO, Dekegai, based in Kakata, Margibi County, with funding by Gbarpolu Representative, Alfred Kaiwood.
The skill training targeted two key towns in Gounwolalai Administrative District. Kpanta and Borlia, located in the heart of Gbarpolu forest, have a population of over 5,000 residents, most of them without basic skills to withstand the growing wave of poverty in the county.
Among skills learned by participants at the capacity building exercise are baking interior decoration tie and dying, etc.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the weekend, Representative Koiwood reminded participants about the significance of skills in the fight against poverty and disease. The lawmaker said poverty is on the increase in Liberia due to the lack of trained manpower to move the economy forward.
He expressed the hope that the knowledge acquired from the training will be used by beneficiaries to create wealth and improve their living condition.
The Gbarpolu County representative, who is also vying for the county’s senatorial seat in 2023, pointed out further that the training program will be extended to all the administrative districts in the county to touch the lives of his citizens.
Also at the program, the lawmaker distributed starter kits worth over US$5,000 to help participants start their career.
For their parts, residents of the administrative district lauded Representative Koiwood for the interest he has shown over the years in the wellbeing of Gbarpolu citizens. Gounwolalai residents emphasized that the skills provided their citizens will help the entire district win the war against poverty.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Dekegai, Alice Kewelee, said the training program is a victory for Gbarpolu County, which needs trained manpower to develop its infrastructure. She indicated that Representative Koiwood example should be emulated by other lawmakers and well-meaning residents of the county to move the county forward.
The training exercise is in continuation of a series of capacity building programs sponsored by the Gbarpolu district #1 representative to resurrect the county from poverty.