The Protempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has cautioned graduates of the Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC) not to participate in the same corruption practices that have robbed them of opportunities.
She urged that they hold themselves accountable to do what is right professionally and not cheat others, take shortcuts at the expense of others, or mishandle finances of others to their benefits.
The Grand Bassa County senator made the remarks at the 18th graduation convocation of the BDOTC when she served as a keynote speaker. Senator Lawrence challenged the graduates to practice what is right until they are very good at being a model citizen.
She also emphasized the need to prioritize TVET because vocational training develops a skill in a person- a skillset that builds up one’s confidence and lifts self-esteem. TVET, Senator Lawrence maintained, enables a person to be an entrepreneur, expressing confidence that the graduates will use their new skills to be innovative and productive citizens of the country.
“The right skills will not only benefit you with a source of income, but they also benefit employers and the public at large. You are now employable and with time you will be earning a paycheck to improve your life and those of the people you care for,” the Senator stated.
Delivering the valedictorian speech, Victoria James proposed the availability of an 18-seated bus for operational purposes at BDOTC, the provision of practical materials for all courses being taught at the institution, employment of trainer assistants for each course, and exhibition materials for tailoring as part of measures to respond to the prevailing challenges confronting the institution.
James further cautioned her colleagues to take the lessons learned seriously and face the unknown with confidence knowing that they have what it takes.
“Let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, have confidence in our abilities and be determined to make our marks on the world,” the BDOTC valedictorian said. For his part, Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu lauded the Government of Liberia and particularly the European Union for its numerous efforts in rehabilitating the facility.
