By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening international educational partnerships following a high-level engagement with a delegation from the African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in higher education, technical and vocational training, research, leadership development, youth empowerment and cultural exchange between Sierra Leone, Africa and the United States.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, described the visit as a significant opportunity to deepen cooperation in education and human capital development. She emphasized that investing in young people through quality education, skills training and leadership development remains a key priority of the Government of Sierra Leone.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie noted that the Government continues to make substantial investments in the education sector as part of its broader commitment to developing a skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving national development.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education across the country. He disclosed plans to establish community colleges nationwide while expanding skills training in strategic sectors, including agro-processing and renewable energy.
According to him, practical and industry-oriented education is essential to equipping young people with the skills required for employment and entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Senior Permanent Secretary, Sheick Kargbo, underscored the importance of academic research in exploring the historical and cultural connections between Africa and the Americas. He encouraged greater collaboration among academic institutions to promote research and knowledge exchange.
Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Abdul Senesie, also called for stronger alignment between educational initiatives and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stressing that education must remain a catalyst for Africa’s long-term development and transformation.
Speaking on behalf of A2MEND, the organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Erin Vines, outlined the institution’s mission of mentoring and developing Black male students through leadership programmes, scholarships, academic support and international study opportunities.
He said reconnecting people of African descent with their cultural heritage remains central to A2MEND’s mission and expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with Sierra Leone would create lasting educational and developmental opportunities for students on both sides of the Atlantic.
During their visit, members of the A2MEND delegation are expected to tour key Government institutions, universities and historical sites across Sierra Leone as part of efforts to identify areas for future collaboration in education, research and youth development.
The engagement concluded with both the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the A2MEND delegation reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in education, leadership development, academic research, cultural exchange and youth empowerment, with the aim of creating lasting opportunities for future generations.
