By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Favor Institute of Technology and Skills (FITS) held its inaugural graduation and official launching ceremony on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Grace Christian Church in Freetown. The event marked a historic milestone for the institute, which is dedicated to empowering young women through skills training.
FITS, located at the Fattaraman Municipal Junior Secondary School on Canon Street, provides practical education in various fields, including cake baking, gara tie-dyeing, decoration, bead crafting, event planning, and IT services. The institute was founded by Chief Executive Officer Favour Fatmata Conteh, who expressed her vision for supporting young women, particularly those who have dropped out of school, by equipping them with valuable skills for self-reliance and success.
“By empowering a woman, you empower a nation,” Conteh stated during her keynote address. “FITS is a place where creativity meets innovation. Our mission is to build a generation of skilled young women who can positively impact their communities.”
Conteh emphasized that FITS’ approach goes beyond technical training, focusing on shaping minds, building confidence, and instilling purpose in the lives of its students. She congratulated the 13 graduates on their dedication and hard work, describing their achievement as a significant milestone for the institution.
Graduate Grace Turay spoke on behalf of her peers, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to develop skills that will help them succeed. She highlighted the importance of skills acquisition for women, regardless of their educational background.
“Learning a skill is essential for every woman, even if you are educated. It serves as a backup and gives you an added advantage,” Turay noted.
The graduation and launching ceremony signified the start of a promising journey for FITS and its students as they prepare to make meaningful contributions to society through their newly acquired expertise.