On Saturday, July 20, 2013 the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) graduated the first class of its WELD Liberia project at the Grand Bassa Community College (GBCC).  The program Graduated 152 students with approximately 40% of the graduates being female.  Minister Axel M. Addy, Keynote Speaker at the event, urged students to go into the workforce with confidence and implement what they had learnt from the WELD Liberia experience.  Minister Addy also encouraged students to be committed to their craft and encouraged students to aim high and “Dream Big”

WELD Liberia began in an effort to help solve the problem of the lack skilled young technicians for concessions and industrial development.  In cooperation with the GBCC, UNIDO and support from the government of Japan, the program provides basic training to students in welding, heavy duty equipment, and electrical.  The students who spoke at the event gave honor to the Ministry. One student, Victor Cheney, said the minister has given him reason to boost of changes occurring in Grand Bassa, Mr Cheney said his dream to not necessarily be hired by private industry  but to start a sole proprietorship and own his own business.

In attendance was the Superintendent of Grand Bassa, Mrs Edweda Cooper, Other Ministries in represented at the event included Ministry Of Youth and Sports, Ministry Of Planning. Partners included UNIDO, Women in Vision, and Advancing Youth Project. 

The MOCI will create a directory of graduates to promote their services to companies in Liberia.  Services in entrepreneurship and job placement will also be offered to graduates to assist in uncovering options to entering the work world.  Additionally each graduate received toolkits to begin their outreach for potential opportunities.  Information on the WELD Liberia project can be found at   www.moci.gov.lr    www.undp.org