President Bio launches joint vocational program at Freetown Polytechnic

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially launched a new Joint Education Programme at Freetown Polytechnic’s Jui Campus, praising China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) for its active role in transferring technical skills and creating employment opportunities for Sierra Leonean youth. The initiative, a collaboration between CRSG, Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, and Freetown Polytechnic, aims to provide hands-on, industry-relevant training that goes beyond theoretical instruction.
President Bio addressed participants and stakeholders at the launch, describing the program as timely and strategic, noting that it is directly aligned with his administration’s Human Capital Development agenda and the broader Big Five priorities. He emphasised the importance of shifting education away from classroom theory and toward hands-on skill acquisition, referring to education as “a navigation tool for development.” “The skills gained through this program will enable trainees to secure employment, particularly with CRSG,” the President said, framing the initiative as a concrete pathway “from learning to earning.”
President Bio emphasised that the country’s most valuable asset is its people, and that long-term national development depends on deliberate investments in skills, discipline, and innovation. He praised CRSG for identifying local skills gaps and choosing to train Sierra Leoneans rather than importing labour. He stated that this approach demonstrates that government policy has moved “from paper to the ground,” and pledged continued government support for programs that combine technical proficiency with strong work ethics.
His Excellency Zhao Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, praised the launch as a watershed moment in bilateral cooperation and announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence Skills Academy at Freetown Polytechnic. Ambassador Zhao described the initiative as China’s contribution to developing a high-quality technical workforce in Sierra Leone, with a focus on vocational training and job placement.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, emphasised the government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). She stated that training should be demand-driven and aligned with national development priorities, combining classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience. “It is about skill transfer, delivery, and measurable outcomes,” said Dr Wurie, emphasising that vocational programs should result in tangible job opportunities.
CRSG General Manager Du Xinguo acknowledged the company’s eighteen-year presence in Sierra Leone and reaffirmed its commitment to local infrastructure development and economic growth. He announced that CRSG would immediately hire the first cohort of 40 trainees upon successful completion of the programme. Instruction will be delivered primarily by Chinese lecturers, with practical components tailored to industry standards and local needs.
Dr Samba Moriba, Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, described the launch as transformative for youth skills development and emphasised the event’s significance, noting that it was the institution’s first official visit by a sitting President. Dr Moriba also revealed that President Bio’s educational vision inspired the Polytechnic’s automotive training programme.
Wu Wei, Principal of Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, explained that the programme focuses on capacity building and talent identification, and that it will significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s human resource base. The partners hope to establish a long-term pipeline of skilled technicians and professionals who can support national development projects and expand job opportunities for Sierra Leonean youth.