By Sallieu S. Kanu
January 27, 2026: President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially launched a Joint Education Programme at the Freetown Polytechnic, Jui Campus, praising the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) for its commitment to skills transfer and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.
The initiative, a tripartite collaboration between CRSG, Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, and Freetown Polytechnic, is designed to equip young Sierra Leoneans with practical, industry-relevant skills.
Speaking at the launch, President Bio described the programme as “timely and strategic,” noting that it aligns with his Government’s Human Capital Development agenda and the Big Five priorities, particularly the shift from theory-based learning to hands-on skills acquisition.
“I have always seen education as a navigation tool for development. The skills acquired through this programme will enable trainees to secure employment, particularly with CRSG,” he said.
The President emphasized that Sierra Leone’s greatest asset is its people, stressing that national development depends on deliberate investment in skills, discipline, and innovation. He added:
“This programme speaks directly to employment. The pathway we are building is from learning to earning. No country can develop without skilled professionals.”
President Bio commended CRSG for identifying local skills gaps and training Sierra Leonean youth rather than importing foreign expertise, describing the initiative as proof that government policy has moved “from paper to the ground.” He pledged continued government support and urged trainees to embrace both technical competence and strong work ethics.
Strengthening China–Sierra Leone Cooperation
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong hailed the programme as a landmark in bilateral cooperation, announcing the establishment of a Centre of Excellence Skills Academy at Freetown Polytechnic.
“This initiative focuses on vocational training and guaranteed employment. It is our contribution to building a high-quality technical workforce for Sierra Leone,” Ambassador Zhao said.
Government Commitment to TVET
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, underscored the government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stressing that training must be demand-driven and aligned with national development priorities.
“This initiative combines classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience. It is about skills transfer, delivery, and measurable outcomes,” she noted.
CRSG’s Long-Term Investment
CRSG General Manager, Du Xinguo, revealed that the company has operated in Sierra Leone for 18 years, supporting infrastructure development and economic growth. He announced that the first cohort of 40 trainees will be employed immediately by CRSG upon completion of the programme, with instruction delivered primarily by Chinese lecturers.
Transformative for Youth Development
Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, Dr Samba Moriba, described the programme as transformative for youth skills development and highlighted that the event marked the first official visit by a sitting President to the institution. He noted that the Polytechnic’s automotive training programme was inspired by President Bio’s education vision.
Principal of Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, Wu Wei, added that the programme focuses on capacity building and talent identification, which will significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s human resource base.