MWETANA develops capacity in optical fiber technology for the future.

MWETANA Consulting & Technology Group has again taken another step towards building the capacity of its workforce to enable Liberians and Liberian companies to participate in the development of the ICT sector in a meaningful and significant manner.  Recently, MWETANA sent one of its employees to Nairobi, Kenya to attend an intensive training course in fiber optic design, installation, splicing, acceptable testing, troubleshooting and maintenance.

Mr. Eric Korkoryiza, member of the network infrastructure team at MWETANA who joined the company as an intern and work his way through the rank and file of the organization recently arrived from Nairobi, Kenya where he received training and certification in optical fiber technology.  The training session included differentiating the different types of fiber cables and connectors, evaluating losses with power meter and light source, understanding of industry standards and codes, proper testing procedures, evaluation of fiber optic networks, evaluation of cable types for fusion splicing, preparation of fiber ends for testing and splicing, interpretation of OTDR traces, and identification of cable problem areas. 

Mr. Korkoryiza was given hands-on knowledge and the ability to identify fiber types, recognize various connectors used in fiber installation; and installed, terminated, spliced and properly tested faulted installation of existing fiber cables.

MWETANA’s CEO and Solutions Architect, Mr. Vivien C. Jones who spoke to the media at the company head office on McDonald Street in the LAUVICOM Housing Building upon Mr. Korkoryiza return regarding the company decision to send Mr. Korkoryiza for advanced training in Kenya. Mr. Jones said that it is part of the company’s strategy to build its employees capacity by not only providing them with local training but as well as international training and experiences.  He noted that the decision is also in the best interest of Liberia as well; capacity building should be everyone’s responsibility.  His wish is that other companies should follow MWETANA’s lead by providing similar opportunities to Liberians. He further said that decision makers in the public and private sectors need to know that Liberians are up to the task of providing quality services and solutions in the ICT sector.  Commenting on the question “Why send a member of the network team instead of the team supervisor or senior staff of the company? – Mr. Jones responded, as CEO, our vision of becoming Liberia’s top ICT organization begins with building capacity at every level, and is needed most at the bottom.  The employees who are going to be doing the work and implementing projects are the ones who need the training, not managers and executives.  

Speaking to the media on his part, Mr. Korkoryiza thanked the company for giving him the opportunity to attend the fiber optic training out of Liberia.  Fiber technology is new to Liberia and we at MWETANA want to be the leaders and not followers in the ICT sector.  He further said that the training was challenging but he was pleased to have completed it successfully. When asked what is his next plan? Mr. Korkoryiza explained that he will first start by following MWETANA’s policy by sharing the knowledge and skills acquired with his network infrastructure colleagues.  He further stated that he will work with his management to design plans and strategy for the implementation of optical fiber technology to small and large organizations (public and private) in Liberia.