Sawa — President Isaias Afwerki presided over the graduation today of 3,195 students who completed a one-year training course at the National Vocational Training Center in Sawa.

The course comprised 21 fields, including accounting, management, secretarial science, natural resource management, soil and water conservation, plant science, animal science, operating of heavy agricultural and construction machineries, wood and metal works, construction, electricity, drafting, installation of water pipelines, hotel and tourism, communications and general engineering. The graduates are the 1st batch from the Sawa National Vocational Training Center.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Minister of Education, Mr. Semere Russom, pointed out that 15,000 Nakfa has been disbursed for each student to properly pursue the year-along course, and this attests to the Government's allocation of substantial budget to the development of human resource. He called on the graduates to make good use of the newly acquired skills and work diligently in serving their people and government.

After awarding prizes to outstanding students, President Isaias indicated that although the opening of the Training Center was planned a long time ago, its implementation took time. He further called on the graduates to strive in deepening their newly acquired skills. The President also congratulated parents and the parties that made due contribution for the success of the program.

A representative of the graduates on her part asserted their readiness to live up to expectations. Present at the graduation ceremony were ministers, Army commanders, regional administrators and parents.