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The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has hosted a reintegration ceremony at its Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England Ville, welcoming formerly drug-addicted youth who completed rehabilitation at the Peace Mission Training Center (PMTC).
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, underscored the importance of giving young people a second chance in life.
He stated that the government has made a significant investment in their future through the Free Quality Education programme and rehabilitation initiatives, emphasizing that it was now the responsibility of the beneficiaries to maintain the positive change.
He urged them to remain focused on their education or skills training, avoid bad company, and uphold the values of discipline and perseverance.
He cautioned against relapsing into old habits and appealed to parents and communities to play an active role in supporting the reintegration process.
The Deputy Minister noted that the government viewed human capital as the nation’s most valuable resource, stressing that the recovery and reintegration of these youth was not only a personal victory but also a national gain.
The Director of Science Education at MTHE, Fatmata Kaiwa, described the event as both emotional and inspirational. She observed that addiction brought shame not only to the individual but also to their families and communities. According to her, the decision by these young people to seek rehabilitation signified a reclaiming of their dignity, identity, and future.
Kaiwa reminded the beneficiaries that re-entry into tertiary institutions must follow due process, including submission of valid admission letters and academic transcripts. She clarified that government scholarships are currently reserved for priority groups such as women in science, female personnel in the military and police, and persons with disabilities. She further noted that other applicants could access financial support through the ongoing student loan scheme, which is presently available at the postgraduate level.
The Home Father of PMTC, Daniel Abu, expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the rehabilitation of youth affected by drug abuse.
He revealed that over 400 individuals had completed the programme so far, with the fifth and latest batch consisting of 52 participants currently being monitored as part of follow-up efforts to ensure their smooth reintegration into society, schools, and colleges.
He explained that the programme not only detoxified the participants but also reoriented their minds and equipped them for academic and vocational pursuits.
Finally, one of the beneficiaries, Oluwafemi Metzger, a former student of Milton Margai Technical University, shared his testimony, recounting how drug abuse had forced him to abandon his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations programme.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the education system, stating that he now envisions a future in which he could serve Sierra Leone as a diplomat. Metzger appealed to government authorities to continue supporting rehabilitation efforts and encouraged others still battling addiction to seek help.
