429 Graduate from LHDA's Skills Testing & Accreditation Program

One of the most pressing priorities for the LHDA in areas around the Lesotho Highlands Water Project sites, is that of community beneficiation and job creation. The LHDA, in partnership with the Department of Vocational Training in the Ministry of Education and Training has for the past years, been conducting a Skills Testing & Accreditation programme, and last week, issued accreditation certificates to?429 artisans and tradesmen from Mokhotlong. These are individuals whom, through years of on-the-job experience have gained undeniable skill in their trades but due to lack of full accreditation and certification to prove that, have traditionally been limited in accessing job opportunities either within the LHWP or outside.

Last week’s graduation was the third cohort of the programme, previous cohorts took place in 2022 in the areas of Mapholaneng and surrounding villages, and the other in Likhameng and surrounding areas.?

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ntoi Rapapa, Minister of Education and Training, expressed that they are immensely proud of the partnership that the Ministry enjoys with the LHDA and that through it, programmes like this continue to thrive.

“It is my challenge to you graduates to ensure that you put this opportunity to use, and to immerse yourself in the job opportunities that you will access not just within the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, but also beyond the borders of Lesotho. We are excited to continue to work hard to expand the available curriculum to ensure that skills can be attained and certified in many more advanced areas of the built environment for these communities to benefit further from this programme.” He concluded.

On behalf of the Minister of Natural Resources, The Principal Secretary – Water, from the Ministry, Mr Lisema Lekhooana, expressed his joy with the results of the partnership between the two government Ministries that has birthed such an impactful programme.?He wished the graduates every success in their pursuit of better livelihoods after the programme, and cheered on the LHDA for the investment it continues to make in ensuring meaningful community development and participation throughout implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

The LHDA’s Skills Testing and Accreditation initiative is one of many under the project’s comprehensive Livelihoods Improvement programme, and it runs on an ongoing basis testing and accrediting workers from various communities and villages around the Polihali project sites, with the aim to ensure that they have the requisite certifications to access jobs not just within the project, but also outside. Graduates also now have reinforced credibility and opportunity to start their own businesses, and to access jobs across the SADC region, as the accreditation extends to other Southern African countries.?