The Minister of Education and Training Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla says Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) is one of the institutions which are aimed at producing job creators and not job seekers.

Delivering her speech at the 6th graduation ceremony of the Lerotholi Polytechnic in Maseru on Saturday, Dr. Khaketla urged the graduates to utilize the skills they have acquired during their training, saying they have been given tools to make choices that will contribute to country's socio-economic development, adding that they should always remember that discipline is very important if they are to succeed in their future endeavours.

She said technical and vocational training is vital for the country to respond to the needs of the labour market adding that the training offered by LP should be matched with the demands of the industry.

She challenged the Rector of LP to market the business unit of the institution so that it can generate some income.

Dr. Khaketla congratulated the graduates particularly those who received awards for their outstanding performances in various programmes.

The Rector, Mr. Tsietsi Lebakae, said at the beginning of this year, the institution introduced a two-year policy of academic audit in an attempt to see whether Lesotho is indeed able to sell its human capital.

He appealed to the government to assist the institution with funds to develop a site at Masooe, in Maseru to cater for more Basotho children who want to improve their technical and vocational skills.

He urged students to remember the solutions that they have been trained on to address the challenges they face when they join the labour market.

The graduates’ Representative, Ms.'Mapatsa Maphathe promised that they are committed to use acquired skills to make Lesotho a better place and urged her fellow graduates to portray the good image of the institution.

She however mentioned that lack of financial assistance from government prevents them from starting their own businesses.

272 students were awarded certificates and diplomas in various programmes which include civil engineering, Construction engineering and Architecture, building technology, carpentry and joinery, plumbing and sheet metal work.

SOURCE: LENA 01/09/2007