On a bright morning in Ganta, on September 23, 2025, the campus of J.W. Pearson Extension High School came alive with energy and purpose. Students, educators, community leaders, and local officials gathered to witness the launch of SCIDA’s awareness and sensitization campaign—an initiative aimed at reshaping how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is perceived and embraced in Nimba County.

The campaign, part of the Youth Rising Project funded by the European Union through UNIDO, marks the beginning of a five-month journey to elevate the value of vocational education among youth, families, and decision-makers. For SCIDA, this is more than an event; it’s a movement to challenge outdated norms and open new pathways for young people to build meaningful livelihoods through practical skills.

At the heart of the launch was a message of empowerment. Through storytelling, dialogue, and community engagement, SCIDA is working to shift the narrative around TVET—from one of last resort to one of opportunity, dignity, and innovation. The campaign will unfold through a series of stakeholder dialogues, radio broadcasts, training workshops, and the establishment of gender clubs, all designed to foster inclusive participation and challenge the social barriers that have long limited access to vocational training.

As students listened to speakers and participated in interactive sessions, the excitement was palpable. Many expressed newfound interest in learning trades, starting businesses, and contributing to their communities in tangible ways. Parents and educators, too, began to see TVET not as a detour from academic success, but as a vital route to economic resilience and personal growth.

This campaign is a testament to SCIDA’s commitment to inclusive development and youth empowerment. By investing in awareness and advocacy, SCIDA is laying the groundwork for a future where every young person in Ganta, and across Nimba County, can access the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.

The journey has just begun, but the message is clear: TVET is not just education, it’s transformation.

#eu #youthrisingproject #unido