River Gee County – July 30, 2025-The River Gee Vocational and Technical Training Institute (RGVTTI) is launching an exciting new project to enhance vocational education and create more economic chances in the county. The institute will soon open a modern woodshop and a restaurant.
Executive Director Jerry K. Bleh shared that these new facilities aim to support the institute’s financial health while giving students valuable hands-on experience. They will be practical learning spaces for those studying carpentry, catering, and hospitality.
Real Skills for a Growing Job Market
“Our new woodshop and restaurant will let students practice their skills in real work settings, preparing them for solid, lasting careers,” Bleh told Verity Online News.
He said these projects will help meet the rising demand for skilled workers in River Gee County and teach students professional discipline and real-world experience. This way, graduates will be ready to contribute to the local workforce and economy.
Bleh also hopes these facilities will encourage more young people to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). By offering true-to-life experience in carpentry, cooking, and hospitality, RGVTTI wants to change how people see vocational careers and show the many opportunities they offer.
“These centers will be unique training spots for future chefs, carpenters, and restaurant workers, letting them gain real experience while serving their community,” he said.
Bigger Plans Ahead
The new woodshop and restaurant are part of a larger effort to expand and improve the institute’s training programs. Bleh shared that new equipment and supplies have arrived to boost hands-on learning in all areas.
Looking ahead, the institute plans to make several upgrades in the next school year, including buying two buses to help with student transport and hiring more qualified trainers to keep up with rising enrollment.
Bleh admitted that these plans will need support from many partners. He called on people inside and outside River Gee to help advance the institute’s goals. This request fits with government efforts to strengthen vocational training across Liberia.
Students and Staff Excited
The news of the new facilities has sparked a lot of excitement among students and teachers. Many believe the woodshop and restaurant will improve learning and open up new chances for personal and community growth.
Teachers are hopeful these facilities will connect classroom lessons with real job skills, and students are eager to practice what they’ve learned in settings like their future workplaces.
Local residents have also expressed support, saying these projects could create jobs, improve services, and boost the local economy.
Supporting Local Growth
As RGVTTI moves forward, it stays focused on nurturing talent and building a skilled workforce for River Gee County. The institute aims to play a key role in the county’s and nation’s development.
“Our goal is clear,” Bleh said. “We’re not just giving students certificates—we’re giving them skills that can change their lives, help their families, and grow our communities.”
With the new woodshop, restaurant, and other improvements coming soon, RGVTTI is set to become a center of vocational excellence and a driver of economic growth in southeast Liberia.
