Maseru- the Ministry of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this Wednesday to provide training, testing, and certification in artisan and masonry skills for the communities in Botha-Bothe and Leribe.
This initiative is part of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development and Sanitation Project (LLWDSP III) through the Ministry of Natural Resource aimed at providing water and sanitation services to the communities of Botha-Bothe and Leribe.
During the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary of Natural Resources, Ms. Relebohile Lebeta highlighted that the agreement between two ministries represents a major step forward in a joint efforts to empower communities through skills development, particularly in the field of artisan and masonry trades.
Lebeta emphasised that the Ministry of Education is responsible for setting standards and certifying vocational skills in the country, adding that their involvement in the program ensures that the training and testing in masonry and artisan skills will be officially recognized, with participants receiving accredited certificates upon completion.
“Through this partnership, the aim is to provide Basotho with the recognition they deserve for their skills and hard work through certification, this will not only enhance the value of the skills acquired by the trainees but also improve their employability, entrepreneurship and livelihoods,” she stated
She also extended her gratitude to the African Development Bank for its unwavering support in financing the initiative, she noted that the bank’s commitment to the socio economic development of Lesotho is evident through this partnership, which will undoubtedly uplift the lives of people in Leribe and Botha-Bothe.
Lebeta, nominated persons are youth, women and people living with disability, of which they will be equipped with skills necessary to compete with increasingly challenging economy.
She reiterated that the MoU is not merely a document buta firm commitment to the economic development of Lesotho, she assured that the success of the LLWDSP will not only meet its immediate objectives but will leave a lasting impact on the people of Lesotho.
She said the LLWDSP is more than just an infrastructural project, it serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, creating opportunities for skill development that will benefit the communities long after the project completion.
