337 Migrant Returnees Graduate from Skills Training Programme in Freetown And Makeni
Deborah Sorie A total of 337 migrant returnees have graduated from a six-week skills training programme organised in Freetown and Makeni 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, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Sierra Leone.
The programme equipped participants with practical, market-oriented skills in 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, in collaboration with government partners.
It forms part of the European Union-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Project, which 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 congratulated the 337 graduates, expressing hope that the skills acquired would help them build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.