On August 24, 2019, the Gender-Youth and Children Educational Skill Training in Information Technology sponsor by Anike Foundation was launched in Gardnersville, Liberia. Anike Foundation is an institution that is based in the United States of America that is supporting organizations in and around Africa through programs that seek to change the lives to many educationally. Anike Foundation agreed in early August to invest 1,000 USD in undertaking educational program in Liberia called the Gender-Youth and Children Educational Skill Training in Information Technology through Brighter Initiatives for Revitalization and Development Inc. (BIRD-Liberia). Anike Foundation sent the funds in two installments; the first fund was used to purchase four set of used computers for the training and the second is set to be used for the facilitator fees and printer. Active training begins August 28, 2019 as indicated during the launched by Mr. Sammenie O. Sydney, the Executive Director of BIRD-Liberia.
During the launched, trainees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Anike Foundation for their support and BIRD-Liberia family for the undertaking. They asked that since many of their colleagues have interest in attending the program but the ground rule created that the program is for 14 to 20yrs makes it difficult for them to attend; the institution should see reason to increasing the age range up to 35yrs to enable many other that have interest to attend the computer training.
The Project Officer Mr. Zubah W. Kponeh appreciated Anike Foundation for their support and told the audience that the project is among many initiatives that BIRD-Liberia intents to undertake in Communities within Liberia. He added that BIRD-Liberia started a conservation awareness in Lofa County but slow down due to no support. “We have too many things to do for our people but no support. As we start this program, we are intending to add other area of concentration like tailoring, driving, nursing school, agricultural and many others that will have direct impact on young people in Liberia”, he continue.
The Project Officer used the occasion to encourage community dwellers and young people to take advantage of the program that it’s the intention of the sponsor to educate young people with initiatives that will impact their lives. He added that the Computer Training program is intended for students between the ages 14 to 20yrs so they must take advantage of it and empower themselves as someone is trying to empower them. “Some of us lost jobs because we lacked computer knowledge” Mr. Zubah W. Kponeh added.
In conclusion, the Project Officer explained that the initiative is to train 150 young people in computer technology for three months in Chicken Soup Factory Community, Gardnersville.
As part of contribution from the community, community dwellers have pledged to serve as facilitator for the project.
We are therefore grateful for their service to this initiative and look forward to the successful implementation of this initiative that is set to empower young people in Liberia through ANIKE Foundation support.