“From Learner to Leader: Zorzor Auto Garage Boss Empowers Youth Through Hands-On Mechanic Training”

By: Peter Kollie| Lofa County Correspondent

Zorzor City, Lofa County — The Chief Executive Officer of the Laso Kamara Auto Parts Garage is urging young people in the district to pursue vocational skills and learn a trade that can empower them for life.

Speaking recently at his garage in Zorzor, Lofa County, Laso Kamara shared his personal journey into the mechanic profession. He explained that his career began in 2006 in Voinjama, and later took him to Macenta, in the Republic of Guinea, where he mastered the trade.

According to Mr. Kamara, it was the goodwill and support of friends during his early days that helped shape who he is today. “They stood by me while I was learning. That support made all the difference,” he said.

Currently, Kamara is training eight young men at his garage, three of whom live with him full-time. He emphasized that he constantly advises his trainees to stay focused and take their training seriously if they want to succeed.

“Some of my boys are in school. After classes, they return here to continue learning,” Kamara noted. “This garage is not just a workplace; it’s a center for learning.”

He encouraged more youth in the district to take advantage of the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, assuring that his doors are always open to anyone willing to learn.

Kamara also called on the Government of Liberia to support local vocational initiatives by providing modern tools and equipment that would ease their work and expand training opportunities. “With more tools, we can train more young people and do more efficient work,” he added.

Speaking to one of the trainees, Movalee Konneh shared his experience. “I couldn’t go to school because my parents didn’t have the money. So I decided to come to the garage and learn mechanics,” he said.

Now in his fifth year, Konneh said he is trusted by Mr. Kamara to handle major repair jobs. “My boss believes in me now, and I’m proud of what I’ve learned. I want to keep working as a mechanic to help my family and make them proud,” he concluded.

Kamara’s garage stands as a shining example of how vocational skills can change lives and build a stronger, self-reliant community.