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The National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) has signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to deliver demand-driven Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) for young returnees under the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration for Sub-Saharan Africa project, strengthening efforts to support sustainable reintegration and national development.
The agreement, formalised this month, will see NAYCOM and IOM collaborate to provide practical skills training at the Obasanjo Skills Acquisition Centre for Youth Development. The TVET courses are designed to be market-relevant and responsive to local labour demand, to improve employment prospects and foster entrepreneurship among returning young people.
Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai described the partnership as a strategic step toward unlocking the potential of Sierra Leone’s youth. “The energy, ideas, and talents of our youth are among our most valuable national assets. As Commissioner, I will ensure that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of young people across every region,” he said, underscoring NAYCOM’s commitment to inclusive youth development.
Under the SLA, training will be tailored to the needs of returnees and aligned with national development priorities. Courses will be modular and demand driven, enabling participants to gain certifications and clear pathways into apprenticeships, employment, or small business creation. The program will also prioritize linkages with private sector employers to facilitate internships and job placements.
NAYCOM emphasized that the initiative supports the implementation of the Status of the Youth Report and the Medium Term National Development Plan. By integrating TVET into broader policy frameworks, the Commission aims to ensure that skills development contributes directly to economic growth and social stability.
Stakeholders involved in the project will include local training providers, private sector partners, and community organizations. NAYCOM and IOM plan to monitor outcomes through metrics such as enrolment and completion rates, job placement and business start ups, and employer satisfaction with trainee skills.
