72 Graduates with Life-Skill Training

Success Creative Art Academy has graduated seventy-two students who have all been trained in making      jewelry and other items from recycling materials.

The graduates who live in Barnesville Estate, where the school is located were predominately women from low-income homes and got specialized training in the making of a     handmade bag, jewelry, footwear, and African design attire.

The school   founder and executive director, Jerome T. Willie said the mission of the school is to break the dependency syndrome among Liberians youth by providing them life skill training that will make them productive and useful to society.

“We trained our students how to make jewelry from recycling or waste material and also provide them with some business development so they can have the proper knowledge of running a successful business.

“At the academy, we incorporate several innovative approaches in order to create an enabling environment for everyone to learn. The first approached is designed        around the students’ needs like   classes been held during the      morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate students’ busy schedules.

“Secondly students are incentivized creatively through attendance prizes, contests and business plan competitions. Moreover, students received constant support once they leave the schools. This   support is intended to guide them during the transition period from success,” he said.

The school is sponsored by Love Jensen, founder of Snowflake Foundations; local NGO that provides educational support to underprivileged children and is free of charge. However, a little of US$4.OO (LD$ 600) needs to be pay as registration fees.

In a brief remark, Richard Koon, Rep. of district 11, the area where the school is located thanks the school founder for such an initiative which will gradually reduce the high unemployment rate in the district.

“For undertaking such an initiative, you have my support. Call on me whenever you need me and I will be there to help. This is the kind of initiative we need in the district to reduce poverty,” Rep. Koon said.