MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Four trainees participating in the China-aided Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Training Program in Liberia have returned from a two-week study visit to China, bringing back new knowledge, skills, and ideas aimed at strengthening their future entrepreneurial opportunities.
The trainees traveled to Beijing and Fujian in July, where they visited bamboo and rattan enterprises, professional training institutions, and cultural sites. The study tour exposed them to China’s growing bamboo and rattan industry, while also allowing them to experience the country’s long-standing tradition of handicraft production.
Upon their return to Liberia, the four trainees shared their experiences with fellow participants during a learning and experience-sharing session held at the China-aided training center in Monrovia.
Using photographs from their trip, the trainees explained the various production techniques, business practices, and craftsmanship they observed during their time in China. They also reflected on their exposure to Chinese culture, cities, and everyday life.
According to the trainees, one of the major lessons from the visit was how China has successfully combined traditional bamboo and rattan craftsmanship with modern production and commercial opportunities.
They noted that bamboo and rattan products are being used extensively in furniture production, home decoration, creative industries, and other areas, providing opportunities for employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.
The trainees said the experience had broadened their understanding of the potential of bamboo and rattan weaving and inspired them to further develop their skills upon returning to Liberia.
They pledged to apply the knowledge gained in China to their continued training and future business activities, while also sharing their new skills and experiences with other participants in the program.
An Assistant Minister of Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports attended the experience-sharing session and delivered concluding remarks. The Assistant Minister commended the trainees for making the most of the study opportunity and encouraged them to become role models by sharing their knowledge with other young Liberians.
The Assistant Minister also urged more young people to acquire practical skills such as bamboo and rattan weaving, noting that vocational training can create pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and improved livelihoods.
The China Expert Group and the Ministry of Youth and Sports said the study visit was not only an opportunity for the selected trainees to gain international exposure, but also a means of strengthening knowledge exchange within the China-aided Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Training Program.
The trainees’ return and subsequent experience-sharing session are expected to contribute to a stronger culture of learning, skills development, and entrepreneurship among participants, while providing fresh ideas for the continued growth of the program in Liberia.
