The Grand Kru Technical College (GKTC) in Grand Kru County, Liberia, is urgently seeking financial assistance to construct a dedicated campus for its growing student body. The plea for support has been directed towards local and international partners, including agencies like USAID, UNDP, and UNESCO, highlighting the college’s need for approximately $12 million to successfully complete this project. Professor T. Dan Jah Bestman, the Vice President for Administration at GKTC, emphasized the urgency of the situation, projecting a need for an initial $400,000 to commence construction on the 50 acres of land that have already been secured for the college.
The college is currently facing significant challenges due to its lack of resources and infrastructure. With 3,300 students enrolled for the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year, GKTC’s growth has notably surpassed that of Tubman University at its inception in 2009. Despite this achievement, logistical constraints prevent the college from transporting necessary materials to the county, forcing them to stock equipment at their Monrovia office. Moreover, the college’s reliance on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the local Ministry of Agriculture for temporary premises raises concerns over potential eviction, especially as the ministry moves to strengthen its local offices.
Established under an Act of 2016, GKTC aims to provide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to residents of Grand Kru County. Originally named the Grand Kru Vocational & Technical Training Institute (GKVTTI), the institute has evolved into a college, receiving formal recognition in 2019. The transition was marked by an official repeal of the original act, which enabled GKTC to be listed in the National Budget, further legitimizing its operations and expansion.
Since the inception of classes in October 2018, GKTC has made significant strides in education, launching programs that include Basic Computer Science, Plumbing, Masonry, and Architectural Drafting. With an initial enrollment of just 150 students, their current enrollment indicates a tremendous growth trajectory that reflects both the local demand for technical education and the college’s commitment to meet that demand. The institution now offers Associate Degrees in fields such as Engineering, Agriculture, Technology, Education, and Business, showcasing its expansion towards more comprehensive technical training.
Professor Bestman also expressed gratitude for the support received from the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus and the acting president of the college, Josephus M. Gray. This partnership has been vital to the institution’s progress and further aspirations. As the college continues to evolve, plans are in place to introduce new programs in Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Mass Communication, Information Technology, and more, positioning GKTC as a crucial player in Liberia’s educational landscape.
In summary, the Grand Kru Technical College represents a beacon of hope for education in Grand Kru County, with its rapid growth and development reflecting a burgeoning interest in technical training. However, urgent funding and infrastructural support are necessary to ensure that the college can sustain its progress and meet the educational needs of its community. As the authorities appeal for assistance from various partners, the collective effort to build a dedicated campus will be pivotal in solidifying the college’s future and enhancing its role in Liberia’s technical education landscape.
