Challenges of implementing technical and vocational Institution-Led programmers in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is that aspect of education that exposes the learner to the acquisition of demonstrable skills that transform into economic benefits. TVET is a broad term of study encompassing technologies and all related sciences. It also involves acquiring practical skills, attitudes, understanding, and knowledge related to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life. The study examined critically the challenges faced by Technical Vocational Institutions in the Implementation of Technical and Vocational Programmes in Bo City. The main objective was to identify the challenges/ problems of Technical and Vocational Institutions in implementing Technical Vocational Programmes in Bo City. The study used a mixed design consisting of descriptive and inferential statistics. The research used qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture the data. The population is 331 subjects with a sample size of 75 from all the technical Vocational Institutions in Bo City. The significant findings were that the Technical Vocational Institutions in Bo City were operating with insufficient academic and supporting staff, poor Information Communication Technology, and insufficient supply of electricity and water. The resources provided by the government were grossly inadequate for the operation of Technical and Vocational Institutions; hence inadequate human, financial, and material resources posed severe operational challenges. Conclusively, the Technical Vocational Institutions in Bo City provided training in diverse disciplines. These include; tailoring, catering, Hairdressing, Agriculture, Masonry, Gara-Tie-Dying, and farm mechanics. The programs offered were relevant and practical-oriented. The Sierra Leone Government is the primary provider of resources for running Technical Vocational Institutions in Bo City, but the resources provided were grossly inadequate. The significant recommendations were: that government should allocate adequate funds for the management of Technical Vocational Institutions. Technical Vocational Institutions should improve on the infrastructural and accommodation facilities to enable them to enroll more students as the demand for these institutions increases every year. Adequate water and electricity should be available in all the Technical and Vocational Institutions in Bo City.