Maseru, Feb. 09 — Minister of Education and Training Professor Ntoi Rapapa on Monday bid farewell to six Basotho candidates who have been employed by TransGuard, a company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after completion of their training on Security Guard Essentials Course under Digital Schools Project sponsored by UAE.
The Digital Schools Project seeks to empower five million youth in Africa through eight specialised academies that offer practical and vocational training programs tailored to the demands of the job market.
The event held at the Ministry of Education and Training boardroom was witnessed by senior officials from ministries of Labour and Employment and Foreign Affairs and International Relations, parents media.
In his remarks, Professor Rapapa explained that 300 youth enrolled for this online training, of which he said 145 fully completed the training as expected saying 40 out of the 145 were then invited for job interviews where he said 18 passed their interviews and have been offered four year employment contract.
He noted that one of the 18 will leave the country on Tuesday while the other five will on Sunday (February 15) with the remaining 12 to leave once their employment contracts have been processed.
Therefore he congratulated them and urged them to be exemplary as they will be representing not only themselves but Basotho and Lesotho.
He however indicated that the 105 who were not shortlisted for the interview will be given an opportunity at a later stage saying they are looking for openings in other areas.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to skills development initiatives that prepare the youth for both local and international labour markets.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Metsing Ntoampe expressed gratitude to the ministry of education for offering them a platform which has helped them land this opportunity. He said this has been a long journey but an eye opener on how technology can help one to realise their skills.
Moreover, one of the parents, Mrs. ‘Mats’epang Mpeta said they are thankful as parents though she said she thought the job was going to be remote. She urged them to be good examples and they will fly Lesotho’s flag high.
On the other hand, Ministry of Labour and Employment Deputy Principal Secretary Mrs. ‘Matebello Raliapeng said this is a significant step for the government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Education.
She allayed parents and Basotho in general’s fears saying they should be motivated and inspired to work abroad saying they have Labour Migration in place to ensure transparency in employment, no exploitation, contracts legitimacy, social security and remittances. She urged those going to abide by laws of the host country.
Transguard Group was established in 2001 and has diversified significantly, now leading in the fields of Cssh Services, Security Services, Manpower Services and Facilities Management. Transguard is the UAE’s most trusted business support and outsourcing provider and has a large, dynamic and culturally diverse workforce numbering in excess of 61,000 people.
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