April 2016 – Training for Employment

Around Maputsoe there are a number of clothing factories which employ sewing machine operators who have certain basic skills. Action Lesotho has now set up a training centre to provide those skills at our Craft Centre in Phukalla. We have invested in 5 domestic and 7 industrial sewing machines, including over-lockers, cover-seam and double-needle machines. We train 25 to 30 young male and female participants for three weeks to a month (4 to 5 per machine), and most of our trainees get employment straight after completing the course. We help them get identity papers and passports, without which they cannot get employment. We also provide training in social skills and literacy. We have built a good relationship with some of the local factories who are very pleased with the quality of our trainees, and are willing to provide us with materials, (needles, thread, cloth, etc.), and help to maintain our machines, and guidance for our trainer. This training facility is a huge hit with the unemployed youth locally, as it gives them a route into employment, and out of poverty.