By Alvin Lansana Kargbo 

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster education, cultural understanding, and industry-academia collaboration, the China Railway Seventh Group (SL) Ltd. (CRSG) hosted a successful Enterprise Open Day Tour and Youth Cultural Exchange Program at its headquarters in Mongeba, Grafton. Themed: "Boundless Culture, Shared Youth," the event brought together 20 students, faculty and administrators from Freetown Polytechnic (FP), marking a significant milestone in bridging vocational education and industrial practice in Sierra Leone.

The initiative, part of CRSG’s Sierra Leone Youth Cultural Exchange Program, was designed to deepen cooperation between higher education institutions and enterprises while promoting global competence and professional growth among Sierra Leonean youth.

The delegation, led by Freetown Polytechnic Principal, Dr. Samba Moriba, was warmly welcomed by CRSG officials and given an insightful presentation about the company’s achievements, development and contributions. Through a PowerPoint presentation and corporate video, the guests were introduced to CRSG’s evolution, highlighting its pivotal role in infrastructure development and its unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The tour of the CRSG headquarters offered an in-depth look into the company’s construction technology, management capabilities and symbolic landmarks, notably, the artificial rockery at the center of the camp square. Built during the Ebola epidemic by a team of Chinese and Sierra Leonean workers using stones from the company’s quarry, the rockery stands as a testament to resilience, unity and enduring friendship.

“This rockery is more than just a structure,” explained Alhaji Osman Kamara. “It reflects the spirit of solidarity during crisis, a symbol of our commitment to health, safety and service and the unbreakable bond between our people.”

In his address, Wang Bin, Deputy General Manager of CRSG, celebrated the event as both a platform for knowledge exchange and a stepping stone for talent development in Sierra Leone.

“We’ve been operating in Sierra Leone since 2007. In 18 years, CRSG has covered 80% of Freetown’s municipal road network, constructed the historic Wellington–Masiaka Highway and delivered landmark projects like Youyi Road, Lumley Juba Bridge and Savage Street Bridge,” Wang  Bin stated.

He underscored the company’s pioneering role in introducing the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and the wide-reaching benefits of its infrastructure projects, from enhanced mobility and economic growth to improved national prestige.

Wang Bin also emphasized CRSG’s alignment with His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone’s “Big Five Game Changers,” especially the focus on human capital development and youth employment. He revealed that later this year, CRSG would launch its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, with new initiatives that promote exchanges among Chinese enterprises and partnerships with local companies.

“Today is about opening doors to opportunity, to understanding and to the future,” he added.

CRSG’s Human Resources Director, Su Xinming, presented long-term employment opportunities available to Sierra Leonean youths, including roles in civil engineering, machinery operation, vehicle maintenance, welding and logistics. He emphasized CRSG’s compliance with Sierra Leone’s labor laws, transparent hiring practices and ongoing skills training programs designed to uplift local employees.

“We don’t just offer jobs, we offer careers,” Su Xinming affirmed. “We believe in growth, development and inclusion.”

Students also had the chance to hear from Abdul Richard Fofanah, a Sierra Leonean staff member who shared his personal journey from entry-level worker to technical expert within the company.

Delivering a compelling and heartfelt address, Freetown Polytechnic Principal, Dr. Samba Moriba, praised CRSG’s leadership in not only building roads and bridges but also building cultural bridges between China and Sierra Leone.

“This event reflects a commitment to global education and cultural awareness,” Dr. Samba Moriba said. “Cultural exchange helps cultivate globally competent citizens; people who can navigate diverse environments, appreciate cultural differences and shape the future with inclusivity and vision.”

He drew from his own international academic experience where he learned the value of embracing cultural diversity. Dr. Samba Moriba noted that Freetown Polytechnic, through its Faculty of Engineering and a signed MOU with CRSG, is poised to expand cooperation in technical and vocational education with institutions in the People’s Republic of China.

“We must position our students to thrive in a globalized world,” he said. “And partnerships like this are the foundation of that future.”

He commended CRSG for its consistent support during national crises, including health education during the Ebola and Monkeypox outbreaks, disaster relief and community engagement.

Kumba Nancy Bridgette Youngai, one of the student participants, expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers:

“This visit has been impactful. Seeing CRSG’s work firsthand has motivated us to strive harder toward becoming professional engineers.”

The tour concluded with a visit to CRSG’s Machinery and Equipment Sales Center and showroom in Songo where Abibatu Koroma, a CRSG sales representative, provided an overview of the center’s business operations, showcasing modern equipment and the company’s extensive logistics and service capabilities to the students.

Sierra Leone’s journey through the challenges and opportunities of development is being strengthened by impactful partnerships like the one between CRSG and Freetown Polytechnic. The Enterprise Open Day created meaningful pathways for industry exposure and mentorship while laying a strong foundation for future educational collaboration, skills development, and cultural appreciation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/crsg-builds-bridges-between-cultures-and-careers-through-youth-open-day-tour/