CSL Graduates Get Startup Materials, Equipment, Cash…From UNDP

At least 96 young Liberians who recently acquired specialized vocational skills in general agriculture, electronic/repairs and food processing from the Center Songhai Liberia (CSL) have received supply of assorted materials, equipment and cash from UNDP.

The cash and assorted working tools from UNDP through the Center Songhai skills training program are intended to prepare graduates for future endeavors as they return to their respective communities. The CSL was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its project titled: “Support to the Designed and Roll Out of a Youth-Focused Vocational/Life Skills Training Project”.

“I just want to thank the UNDP family for bringing these items for us. With these, some of us will be self-employed and will start own businesses. I hope that this should not be the last….” Angie Queen Harris a graduate of the CSL pastry and food processing department said.

Prior to enrolling at the CSL, Angie said she had no skills. But, the 24year-old female said with the knowledge acquired from the Center, she hopes to return to her community to begin her pastry business and other catering services.

Also, Richard Jallah of the agriculture department said with the tools received from UNDP, he hopes to begin the cultivation of various food corps in his community. “I am so grateful today, because we now have ideas on things that we knew nothing about before. We’re used to being involved in different types of businesses, but now, we have been taught how to utilize the soil through agriculture….” Richard said.

He thanked the Center Songhai Liberia for impacting and empowering them with knowledge that will make them useful citizens in the country. “I want to alsothank the UNDP family for the support and the tools that will enable us start our own agriculture projects…” he said.

Graduates from the agriculture training program received US$122.00, electronics, $60.00 and food processing received US$35.00 each.-Press release