The initiative is designed to prepare job applicants and those seeking vocational training opportunities with the foundational skills required to successfully complete aptitude tests administered by the Academy.
The program was officially launched on September 11 at Greenhill Quarry in Bong County and brought together a team of AMLTA staff led by Training Manager Victor Loubser, along with Community Relations officers, local chiefs, and 22 selected applicants.
According to Mr. Loubser, assessments administered to applicants in Liberia as part of the entry requirements for AMLTA revealed that many could not pass due to low numeracy and literacy skills. To address this gap, AMLTA designed an eight-week training program that will tutor young people in English, Math, Job Readiness, Business, and Emotional Intelligence. Each session will be followed by tests to monitor progress.
He explained that the training falls in line with a mandate from ArcelorMittal Global Mining CEO, Kleber Silva, that people from fenceline communities should be prioritized for employment and training opportunities. “ArcelorMittal’s operation needs to benefit the people in fenceline communities because they are directly impacted. The ongoing training is about preparing them to be fit for their desired areas. Beneficiaries must take this opportunity seriously because successful completion will place them in a better position to access future opportunities,” Loubser stressed.
AMLTA, in partnership with the African Bible College University, had earlier trained teachers and deployed them across Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba Counties to conduct the program. Applicants were categorized into P1, P2, and P3 levels based on their assessment results. Each trainee must undergo eight weeks of numeracy and literacy lessons to remain in their category, but with the possibility of moving up levels depending on progress.
In Bong County, three centers are currently hosting the training: Greenhill Quarry, Gbarta Public School, and Rock Crusher. Ruth Kamara, a trainer at Gbarta Public School, reported that while a few trainees initially struggled with reading and writing, all 24 participants are now on course and expected to succeed. Similarly, trainer Tony F. Gborlorwolo from Rock Crusher noted that although attendance was poor at the start, the trainees are now showing marked improvement in both attendance and performance.
In Nimba County, the training is simultaneously taking place in Lugbehyee, Gbapa, Zolowee, and Zuluyee, with similar results being recorded.
Through this initiative, AMLTA is not only addressing immediate literacy and numeracy needs but also ensuring that young people from communities around its concession areas are better positioned to access sustainable livelihoods, jobs, and skills training in the future.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.