By: Peter Kollie | Lofa Correspondent
Salayea City, Lofa County |April 21, 2026 | A non-governmental vocational training institute, Camp for Peace, is transforming lives in Salayea City by equipping disadvantaged youth with practical skills for self-reliance.
Speaking in an interview, the institution’s Training Supervisor, Mr. Johnson Quoiquoi, said Camp for Peace was established in Liberia in 2012 and later expanded its operations to Lofa County in 2018.
According to Mr. Quoiquoi, the institution initially focused on agricultural training, attracting young people from across Lofa and neighboring counties. However, due to growing interest, the institution conducted a needs assessment to better understand the demands of the community.
“As a result of that survey, we introduced additional vocational programs including tailoring, cloth weaving, masonry, plumbing, and electricity,” he explained.
Mr. Quoiquoi noted that the program aims to reduce the number of unskilled young people, particularly high school dropouts affected by Liberia’s civil crisis, while also supporting graduates who lack the financial means to pursue higher education.
He disclosed that individuals without a high school education can enroll in masonry and agriculture, while other programs are open to both high school graduates and dropouts.
The Training Supervisor emphasized that the initiative is making a significant impact by providing participants with employable skills that enable them to support themselves and their families.
“We are seeing real transformation. Many of our graduates are now able to stand on their own and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” he said.
Mr. Quoiquoi added that upon completion of the nine-month training program, participants receive certificates and are organized into cooperative groups. Through these groups, the institution continues to provide mentorship, support, and follow-up monitoring.
He also expressed satisfaction with the steady increase in enrollment, particularly the rising number of female participants across all training areas.
Currently, the institution has a total of seventy-nine students enrolled in various vocational programs.
Camp for Peace continues to serve as a beacon of hope for many young people in Lofa County, offering a second chance through skills development and empowerment.
