By: Jenneh S. Kemokai |Grand Cape Mount Correspondent
Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County |May 6, 2026| the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Education and with support from the European Union, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 broke ground for the Robertsport Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre.
The new Centre is part of a national effort to make sure that as visitors come to Robertsport, the income stays in the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Education Dr Jarso Maley Jallah said Robertsport continues to attract tourists for its beaches, surf, and culture. But she noted that the economic benefits are not always fully felt by residents. This initiative, she said, is designed to close that gap by linking training directly to existing economic activity.
The Centre will offer programs in hospitality, eco-tourism, and small business development. The goal is to equip young people with practical skills to work in eco-tours, and start their own enterprises. Officials say the facility will be completed within nine months.
Assistant Minister for TVET and STEM, Hon. Nathaniel K. Cisco Jr., described the Robertsport Centre as the centerpiece of Phase Two of Liberia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training expansion.
He explained that Phase One established TVET programs in public high schools across seven counties, funded by the Government of Sweden. Phase Two is now building modern workshops in eight additional counties, including Cape Mount, Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Nimba.
UNICEF Representative Andrew Brooks also addressed the gathering. He commended the European Union for expanding the program to all 15 countries. He said the initiative matches the President’s development agenda, specifically Pillar Six, which prioritizes education and skills as the foundation for youth employment and national growth. He added that the work contributes to Liberia’s National Development Plan and the UN framework for inclusive development and gender equity.
Senator Dabah M. Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County called the project a timely and strategic investment for coastal communities. She said the Centre will give young people marketable skills in tourism and hospitality, reduce youth unemployment, and promote entrepreneurship.
“The empowerment of our young people through skills development is not just an option, it is a necessity,” Senator Varpilah said.
Residents and local leaders at the ceremony welcomed the initiative. They expressed optimism that the Robertsport Tourism Training Centre will serve as a catalyst for enterprise development, job creation, and long-term growth in Grand Cape Mount County.
The Robertsport Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre is funded under the European Union’s Youth Rising Project, Phase Two. It is expected to open in early 2027.
