Overview

During the administration of the late President William R. Tolbert, Jr., the Government of Liberia recognized the imperative to cultivate the potential of the nation’s burgeoning youth population through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This imperative led to the inception of the Accelerated Vocational Training Program (AVTP) in 1977. By then, high schools across the country were graduating over 14,000 youths annually, overwhelming the capacity of higher educational institutions to accommodate them. The AVTP was thus established to address this challenge, providing a pathway for career readiness among the youth.

Under the leadership of Dr. Advertus H. Hoff, Minister of Education, and Hon. Mohammed Sheriff, Assistant Minister for Professional & Technical Education, the AVTP was conceptualized and implemented. They carefully selected reputable government high schools across Liberia to host the program. These schools included:

– Booker Washington Institute, Kakata, Margibi County
– Liberian-Swedish Vocational Training Center, Yekepa, Nimba County
– Voinjama Multilateral High School, Voinjama, Lofa County
– Zwedru Multilateral High School, Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County
– Harbel Multilateral High School, Harbel, Margibi County
– Sinoe Multilateral High School, Greenville, Sinoe County
– Mary Ann Cheeseman School of Home Economics, Monrovia, Montserrado County
– William V.S. Tubman High School, 12th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Montserrado County

Although the AVTP at the Booker Washington Institute temporarily closed its doors to the public in 2014, it was restructured and reopened in 2016 under the new name “Post-Secondary and Professional Programs” (PSPP), integrating various professional training opportunities.

The PSPP at BWI now awards National Diplomas to high school graduates who successfully complete two years of training in a range of vocational and technical disciplines, including but not limited to:

1. General Agriculture
2. Automotive Mechanics
3. Accounting
4. Secretarial Science
5. Electricity
6. Electronics
7. Carpentry
8. Drafting
9. Masonry
10. Plumbing
11. Machinery

Additionally, the PSPP offers short-term professional training in diverse areas such as Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, Trade Union Education, Computer Literacy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Tree Crops Farm Establishment, Extension and Management, Domestic Science (Catering Management, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Tailoring & Decoration), Human Resource Management, and Warehouse Management.

The ongoing transformation of the program at BWI aims to align with National Diploma Programs in other English-speaking West African Countries. The transformed program comprise three categories of courses: core competency courses to prepare trainees for their careers, supportive courses providing additional advantages, and general courses.

Duration

Our Post-Secondary and Professional Programs have a meticulously structured curriculum spanning two years, organized into four semesters. This well-designed framework serves as a roadmap for students throughout their educational endeavor, facilitating a seamless and enriching learning journey.

The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to provide a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. It is tailored to enable students progressively enhance their skills and expand their knowledge-base over the duration of the program. Each semester builds upon the foundation laid in the preceding one, fostering continuous growth and development among our students.

By adhering to this structured curriculum, we ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education that equips them with the competencies and expertise needed to excel in their chosen fields. Our commitment to excellence in education is reflected in the systematic progression and depth of learning being offered by our Post-Secondary and Professional Programs at the Booker Washington Institute.

Eligibility and Entrance Application Processes

All candidates aiming to enroll in the BWI Post-Secondary and Professional Programs (PSPP) are required to meet the following criteria:

1. Must have Graduated from High School: Applicants must have successfully graduated from a Senior High School that is accredited by the Ministry of Education.

2. Entrance Examination Package: Candidates must obtain an Entrance Examination Package, available at a cost of USD$15.00 or its equivalent in Liberian Dollars.

3. Submission of Application Form: Candidates must submit the completed entrance application form to the PSPP Office on the main campus or the designated location where the Admissions package was purchased. Application form should be neatly filled out and placed in a long-hanging folder and return at least one day before the scheduled entrance date.

4. Completion of Written Test: Applicants are required to sit for and successfully pass a written examination covering Mathematics and English.

These requirements ensure that candidates possess the necessary academic foundation and skills to excel in the rigorous training provided by the PSPP at BWI.

Requirements for Successful Candidates

Upon acceptance for enrollment into the Post-Secondary and Professional Programs (PSPP) at the Booker Washington Institute, candidates are required to complete their registration process by presenting the following documents:

1. Interview: Candidates must also undergo an interview process, which they must pass to be considered for admission into the program.

2. Original High School Transcript: The original high school transcript must be provided for verification purposes. This document will not be returned to the student.

3. High School Diploma: Candidates must submit both the original and a photocopy of their high school diploma. The original diploma will be promptly returned after verification.

4. WAEC or WASSCE Certificate: Candidates must present both the original and a photocopy of their high school WAEC or WASSCE certificate. The original certificate will be returned immediately after verification. In cases where the original certificate is unavailable, an online result will be temporarily accepted. However, the original certificate and a photocopy must be submitted before graduation.

5.Medical Assessment and Certificate: Medical assessment conducted by the BWI Clinic and subsequent issuance of certificate to ensure the candidate’s physical and mental fitness for enrollment. The medical examination and certificate fee is $ 1,000 LRD (subject to adjustment).

6. Letters of Recommendation: Candidates are expected to provide two letters of recommendation—one from their previous school and another from a community leader. These letters serve to attest to the candidate’s character, academic aptitude, and suitability for the program.

Additionally, it is important to note the following:

PSPP students are required to purchase appropriate attire for practical training purposes as prescribed by their respective trade shops or departments.

Upon successful verification and acceptance of the provided documents, candidates will be issued an official Admission Letter, confirming their enrollment in the program. This comprehensive registration process ensures the integrity and quality of the student body at the Booker Washington Institute’s Post-Secondary and Professional Programs.

Registration Activities and Procedures 

For successful candidates, the registration process at the Booker Washington Institute Post-Secondary and Professional Programs (BWI/PSPP) entails several essential steps:

1. Cashier Office: Proceed to the Cashier’s Office to make payment for the medical assessment and certificate fee.

2. BWI Clinic: Visit the BWI Clinic for medical screening.

3. Registrar Office: Proceed to the registrar’s office with the medical certificate and all required documents for inspection, verification, and interview. In addition obtain your admission letter, control sheet, and course guide from the Registrar’s office.

4. Student Services Office: Proceed to the Student Services Office to present your required tool (a hoe for females and a cutlass for males), and acquire the Student Handbook.

5. Course Planning and Departmental Verification: Visit your department for verification, course planning and obtain signature.

6. Warehouse: Deliver your departmental tools to the warehouse and obtain the Warehouse Manager’s signature.

7. Business and Finance Office (BFO): Get billed by an Account Staff at BFO, obtain a deposit slip, and proceed to the bank to deposit the required fees. Ensure to obtain a copy of the deposit slip from the teller.

8. Return to BFO: Present the payment slip from the bank for verification.

9. Cashier Office: Present the verified payment deposit slip to the Cashier and obtain an official school receipt.

10. Internal Audit Unit: Go to the Internal Audit Unit for verification of the receipt.

11. General Coordinator Office: Obtain signature from the General Coordinator.

13. Registrar Office: Return to the Registrar’s Office with the completed registration control sheet and official payment receipt.

Note: Registration is considered complete only after dropping the control sheet at the Registrar’s Office, and obtaining signature stamped as COMPLETE.