LIFELINE NEHEMIAH EMPOWERS 130 STUDENTS WITH TECHNICAL SKILLS
BY ABDULAZIZ SAMURA
In a remarkable achievement for the Kunthorlor community and the country at large, one hundred and thirty students (130) have graduated from the Lifeline Nehemiah Betteh Tumara Technical and Vocational Institute, equipped with essential skills crucial for Sierra Leone’s job market.
The graduation ceremony took place at the ‘Kunthorlor’ Community, Kissy in Freetown, on Saturday, 19th April, 2025.
Reflecting on Lifeline’s journey, Executive Director Prince Tommy Williams highlighted Reverend Richard Cole’s vision in 1992, which has since transformed the lives of approximately 2,900 individuals. Lifeline offers training in diverse fields including ICT, plumbing, electrical engineering, and hospitality, he said.
Williams revealed that 53% of graduates have either secured employment or established their own businesses, underscoring the impact of skills empowerment. He emphasized the need for youth to shun drugs like Kush and focus on self-improvement.
He further warned that rising unemployment, if not addressed, could become a national crisis.
To provide employment opportunities, he revealed that the institution has partnered with over 45 organizations across the country, where students are placed for internships—many of whom have secured employment through these programs.
Williams also highlighted the institution’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment and disclosed that Lifeline Nehemiah has expanded its programs, including ventures in agriculture in the Kenema District.
He also stressed on the need for youth to shun drugs like Kush and focus on self-improvement, concluded by disclosing Lifeline’s mentorship programs, which have uplifted young people across various Freetown communities.
In her keynote address, the National Coordinator at the Sierra Leone Non-Governmental Organisation (SLANGO), Alice Neneh James, commended the graduates for their commitment to learning.
She emphasized that the skills and knowledge they have gained will lead to vibrant careers and rewarding lives.
James noted that the certificates earned by the graduates have the potential to evolve into diplomas and even degrees. She encouraged them to embrace success, continue learning, and move forward with integrity.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Principal Luke Amadu outlined the institution’s mission to combat youth unemployment in critical sectors of society. Despite funding challenges, he said essential departments have been maintained. He also disclosed that the institution is working with the Government of Sierra Leone to elevate its status to diploma level.
Amadu urged the graduates to share their success stories with others to help increase admissions and expand the institution’s impact.
With joy covering their faces, graduates expressed the need for completing what they referred to as “a step in the right direction”, applauding Lifeline Nehemiah for providing the enabling environment to pursue their career.
Likewise, Abu Bakarr Kamara, a graduate in electrical engineering, testified how he pursued technical vocational training after facing challenges in meeting university admission requirements. Today, Kamara proudly works as an engineer at Jubitel Pool, thanks to his certification from Lifeline Nehemiah School