Tappita City —Ralph Nemenla Sonkarlay, a son of the region and current adviser on tourism for Nimba, urged local youth to embrace vocational training and announced donations to support the community’s new vocational institute.
By D Franklin Doloquee
The ceremony drew community leaders, local officials, students, motorcyclists and residents who gathered on a cleared plot of land where the Tappita Vocational Training Institute (TVTI) will rise.
Mr. Sonkarlay draped in traditional cloths and casual dress took turns at the podium, reflecting the mix of formal ceremony and grassroots enthusiasm that marked the day.
Mr. Sonkarlay, who grew up and attended school in the Tappita region, described the project as a “significant milestone” for young people across the county.
He reminded the crowd that the area once benefited from vocational efforts led by the Kwinden mission, but in recent years steady opportunities have dwindled.
The new institute, he said, offers a starting point for skills-based renewal that could spread beyond Tappita into southeast Liberia and other neighboring districts.
“This initiative matters because many young people now rely on motorcycle riding for income,” Mr. Sonkarlay said, pausing to let the point land with many in the crowd.
“Riding is like playing a sport — it only lasts so long. We must give young people sustainable livelihoods and career paths,” he stated.
He painted a vivid picture of what effective technical and vocational education and training (TVET) can accomplish. With a nod to the growing media industry, Mr. Sonkarlay explained how a single training program can create multiple job streams: a local production company needs cameramen, sound technicians, editors, graphic designers and broadcasters.
‘‘In short, one enterprise can employ several trained people, multiplying economic benefit within the community. “As an adviser on tourism and a former deputy managing director in government, I’ve seen how skills not just degrees — open doors,” he added.
“A trained technician can be called to service important clients; skills propel you to greater opportunity.” He encouraged young people to consider trades ranging from plumbing, masonry and electrical work to hospitality, tailoring, information technology and media production.
At the heart of Mr. Sonkarlay’s remarks was a personal commitment. He announced a donation equivalent to 200 bags of cement to kick-start construction: a check for 100 bags presented at the ceremony and a pledge of another 100 bags when building begins.
He described giving as part of his identity, explaining that his middle name, Nemenla, means “saver,” and that he believes in giving back whenever he is blessed.
The presentation of the check was met with applause. Local elders and the town’s acting chief accepted it on behalf of the community, expressing gratitude and describing how the institute will fill a long-standing gap in local training resources.
Community members emphasized that durable, locally available training will reduce the need for youth to migrate in search of work.
Looking ahead, Mr. Sonkarlay said he plans to launch a foundation to provide scholarships for promising local students.
He recalled family ties to the area his grandfather served as a primary chief and pledged continued support when the school and training programs start.
He urged parents, local businesses and development partners to collaborate in equipping classrooms, workshops and practical training sites.
The planned institute will include classrooms for theoretical instruction, workshops equipped for carpentry, masonry and mechanical training, and a media lab for audiovisual and IT skills.
Organizers hope to partner with established vocational centers to ensure instructor training, certification pathways and links to apprenticeship placements in Monrovia and regional towns.
Community reactions were mixed with cautious optimism. Young motorcycle riders a visible presence at the event expressed excitement at the prospect of learning new trades they can build lasting careers from.
Local business owners said they welcomed the promise of a skilled local labor pool that could support small enterprises and larger projects alike.
The ceremony closed with a prayer and a communal meal, where attendees exchanged plans for the institute’s future and discussed how to ensure broad access to its programs, especially for young women and disadvantaged youth.
Mr. Sonkarlay’s pledge and the visible community turnout signaled momentum for TVTI’s next steps: securing materials, finalizing construction plans and enrolling the first class of students.
Mr. Sonkarlay told the gathered youth. “I will be here to support you.” His parting words lingered as the crowd dispersed down the dusty lane, many carrying the first tangible hope in years for steady, dignified work close to home.
