By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Four hundred and fifty six (456) returned migrants have graduated from a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration for Sub Saharan Africa (MPRRSSA) Programme, in collaboration with Freetown Polytechnic and funded by the European Union.
The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, 19 June 2026, at the Freetown Polytechnic Campus in Jui, marked a significant milestone in efforts to promote sustainable reintegration, skills development and economic empowerment for returned migrants in Sierra Leone.
The graduates were among 4,000 returned migrants enrolled in various vocational disciplines, including tailoring, information and communication technology, catering, electrical installation and other technical trades designed to enhance employability and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Speaking at the ceremony, IOM Officer in Charge in Sierra Leone, Dr. Pauline Macharia, described the event as a celebration of resilience, dignity and new opportunities for returned migrants. She noted that the programme had provided beneficiaries with practical and marketable skills aligned with labour market demands while also offering psychosocial support, business motivation sessions and economic reintegration assistance.
According to Dr. Macharia, reintegration is a continuous process that extends beyond training. She explained that IOM adopts a holistic approach that addresses the economic, social and psychosocial dimensions of reintegration to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity.
She stated that the programme had equipped participants with the skills necessary to become more self reliant and economically independent, while reducing vulnerabilities that often contribute to irregular migration. She further noted that investing in skills development strengthens resilience, creates sustainable livelihood opportunities and contributes to national development.
Dr. Macharia emphasised that the achievements of the graduates represented not only personal success stories but also an important contribution to Sierra Leone’s broader development agenda. She reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to continuing collaboration with government institutions and development partners to ensure that reintegration interventions remain sustainable and responsive to labour market needs.
The International Aid and Delegation Officer of the European Union in Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Foday Esq., described the graduation as a symbol of human resilience, partnership and the transformative power of skills development.
He stated that the European Union remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote safe, orderly and dignified migration while creating opportunities for returned migrants to rebuild their lives. He noted that the programme reflected a shared commitment between development partners and national institutions to strengthen reintegration efforts and empower beneficiaries through vocational education.
Dr. Foday said the certificates awarded to the graduates represented more than academic accomplishments. According to him, they symbolised empowerment, economic independence and long term livelihood opportunities capable of transforming lives and communities.
He encouraged the graduates to continue learning and applying their skills professionally while contributing to the socio economic development of Sierra Leone. He also reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting technical and vocational education initiatives that create opportunities for young people and vulnerable populations.
Chairman of the Freetown Polytechnic Council, Prof. Samuel, described the graduation as an important milestone in the migrant protection, return and reintegration process. He said the ceremony marked the successful completion of one phase of the beneficiaries’ journey and the beginning of another chapter filled with opportunities and possibilities.
Prof. Samuel noted that the skills acquired through the programme would enable the graduates to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy. He encouraged them to view the training as a foundation for future growth and success rather than an endpoint.
He further urged the graduates to remain committed to continuous learning, discipline and hard work, expressing confidence that they would become productive members of the workforce and successful entrepreneurs capable of creating positive change within their communities.
Representing the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Abubakarr Sensesie, commended IOM, European Union and Freetown Polytechnic for successfully implementing the programme.
He stated that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision of promoting human capital development through quality technical and vocational education. According to him, strengthening TVET remains central to Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth and national transformation.
He highlighted the importance of partnerships among government institutions, development agencies and educational institutions in expanding access to vocational education and creating employment opportunities for young people and returned migrants.
He encouraged the graduates to use the knowledge and skills acquired during the training as a foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance while contributing positively to national development.
The programme forms part of broader efforts by IOM and its partners to support the sustainable reintegration of returned migrants through skills development, economic empowerment and social inclusion. Organisers expressed optimism that the graduates would utilise their newly acquired competencies to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen their communities and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development.
The graduation ceremony underscored the growing role of technical and vocational education in addressing unemployment, enhancing workforce readiness and providing practical pathways for economic participation among vulnerable groups. For the graduates, the event represented not only the completion of training but the beginning of a new journey toward self reliance, opportunity and long term socio economic integration.
