The government of Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards promoting equitable access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by compensating the Lebay family for their land. The family was presented with a cheque worth Le300,000 during a ceremony held at the GTI Mattru Jong campus on October 8, 2026. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to equip young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, commended the Lebay family for making the land available, describing their contribution as crucial to expanding technical education in the country. He highlighted that the GTI Mattru Jong would provide young people with practical skills in various trades, including agriculture, construction, automobile mechanics, and furniture production. The institute is expected to play a vital role in addressing the skills gap and promoting economic growth in Bonthe District.
The Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Tura Senesie, emphasized the need for sustained government support and permanent security for the institution. He noted that GTI Mattru Jong had the potential to become a centre of excellence for skills development, employment, and economic growth within Bonthe District. Dr. Senesie encouraged young people to consider technical careers and urged communities to protect institutional equipment and land from theft and encroachment.
The Bonthe District Land Commissioner, Foday M. Wai, commended the landowners and government officials involved in securing the site. He acknowledged the contributions of the late Moses Probin and late Hon. PC A. B. Sheriff, as well as Dr. Turay Senesie and other officials involved in the land process. The commissioner's remarks underscored the collaborative efforts that led to the acquisition of the land for the GTI Mattru Jong.
During the ceremony, Town Chief Edna J. Tucker expressed gratitude to government officials and community stakeholders for their cooperation in securing the land. She also raised concerns about substance abuse among young people, particularly the misuse of Tramadol, and called for collective action to address the problem. The town chief's remarks highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing the youth in Bonthe District.
The compensation of the Lebay family is part of the government's efforts to expand technical and vocational education across Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) is working to promote TVET, with a focus on equipping young people with practical skills for the workforce. The GTI Mattru Jong is expected to play a critical role in this initiative, providing young people with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the job market.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the development of the GTI Mattru Jong, which is expected to become a hub for skills development and economic growth in Bonthe District. The government's investment in the institution reflects its commitment to promoting technical education and addressing the skills gap in the country.
Key points
- The government has compensated the Lebay family Le300,000 for providing land for the construction of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) Mattru Jong in Bonthe District.
