A total of 337 migrant returnees have graduated from a six-week skills training programme organised in Freetown and Makeni. The programme aimed to support their reintegration into society through employment and self-employment opportunities. The graduation ceremonies were held in Makeni on Thursday and Freetown on Friday. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone implemented the programme in collaboration with government partners.
The skills training programme equipped participants with practical, market-oriented skills in various fields. These fields include solar and electrical engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), tailoring, catering and baking, driving, engineering, make-up artistry and entrepreneurship. The initiative was implemented by the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) and IOM Sierra Leone. It forms part of the European Union-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Project.
The project aims to support returning migrants in rebuilding their livelihoods and achieving sustainable reintegration. IOM said the training was designed to improve participants' access to employment and opportunities to establish their own businesses. The organisation expressed hope that the skills acquired would help the graduates build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
The graduation ceremonies marked a significant milestone in the reintegration process of the migrant returnees. The programme provided a platform for participants to acquire new skills and knowledge. This will enable them to contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities. The IOM Sierra Leone congratulated the 337 graduates on their achievement.
The European Union-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Project is a significant initiative. It supports returning migrants in rebuilding their livelihoods and achieving sustainable reintegration. The project is being implemented in collaboration with government partners and other stakeholders. Its goal is to provide a comprehensive support system for migrant returnees.
The skills training programme is a critical component of the project's reintegration strategy. It provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed to access employment and establish their own businesses. The programme's impact is expected to be felt in the communities where the graduates will be reintegrating. The IOM Sierra Leone will continue to provide support to the graduates as they reintegrate into society.
The 337 migrant returnees who graduated from the skills training programme are expected to make a positive impact in their communities. They will contribute to the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone through their new skills and knowledge. The IOM Sierra Leone and its partners will continue to monitor the progress of the graduates and provide support as needed.
Key points
- The programme equipped participants with practical, market-oriented skills in solar and electrical engineering, ICT, tailoring, catering and baking, driving, engineering, make-up artistry and entrepreneurship.
