Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara presents Sierra Leone youth skills initiatives at Morocco forum.

Deputy Minister Technical Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara represented Sierra Leone fifth Youth Knowledge Forum Rabat, Morocco, highlighting national youth preparation strategies for rapidly changing world.

Two-day forum, themed "From Crisis to Sustainability," opened Monday September 7 ICESCO headquarters, bringing ministers, policymakers, experts, young people discussing sustainability, employment, skills, future work.

Speaking "Your Career Changing World," Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara stressed education systems moving beyond academic qualifications equipping young people practical skills, entrepreneurial capacity, employment opportunities.

He highlighted Sierra Leone's conflict experience and recent global challenges including COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruptions, climate emergencies, rapid technological change—reinforcing resilience, adaptability, lifelong learning importance.

President Julius Maada Bio Government placed human capital development national development agenda centre, investing technical vocational education training (TVET), apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning.

Deputy Minister noted Government expanding Technical Institutes across all 16 districts upgrading community colleges, introducing mobile training units, planned Dual Apprenticeship Policy strengthening practical workplace-based training.

He highlighted Youth Employment Scheme (YES) targeting 500,000 youth jobs creation by 2030, planned Dual Apprenticeship Programme expansion placing 5,000 apprentices by 2027 sectors including tourism, construction, agribusiness, renewable energy.

Aziz-Kamara emphasised digital skills, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, green economy importance alongside soft skills including critical thinking, communication, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving.

He stressed inclusion extending beyond classroom access, calling equal opportunities young people regardless gender, disability, location, socioeconomic circumstances.

Forum jointly organised ICESCO, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Digital-twin model connected Rabat participants with centres United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Republic Tatarstan Russian Federation.

Sierra Leone Ambassador Morocco Alhaji Momodu Koroma attended among dignitaries.

Aziz-Kamara's presentation underscored Sierra Leone commitment ensuring young people equipped adapting global change, leading innovation, creating opportunities, contributing sustainable national development.

Correspondent: Richard Williams

Ministry of Technical and Higher Education

+23230086143

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