Senior Secondary graduates meet with CRC director to explore votech options

The Child Rescue Centre is encouraging Senior Secondary school graduates to consider vocational or technical education if they don't do well on the college entrance exam.  Throughout West Africa, graduates of Senior Secondary School (high school equivalent) sit for the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), to determine their eligibility for further education. Upon receiving their results, CRC students are welcomed to apply for a Promise Scholarship for university or votech programs.  Many CRC students who scored high on the WASSCE have pursued university degrees including medicine, engineering, journalism, applied science, or social work.  However, the test is difficult and many students don't earn scores that will gain them entrance to university.  

The CRC aims to remove any stigma about votech education, and help every student become a self-sufficient, contributing member of their community.  CRC Director Olivia Fonnie and other staff members recently met with graduates to encourage them to consider vocational or technical training. 

There are many successful individuals who do not go to college; they went to technical or vocational school," CRC Case Manager Victor Kanu explained.  CRC graduate Amara Foday used his scholarship to attend welding school, a highly sought-after skill in Sierra Leone (read about Amara here)  and is now enjoying a career in the booming Sierra Leone construction industry.  CRC students have successfully completed vocation and technical education programs including catering, tailoring, and auto mechanics.

The CRC is offering extra tutoring and preparation classes for the students who decide to take the WASSCE a second time.  

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