UAE funds free security training for Basotho men

MOSA MAOENG
MASERU – The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has partnered with UAE-based entities The Digital School (TDS) and GEMS Skills Academy (GSA) under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to offer free online security training for unemployed Basotho males.

The one-month programme, commencing August 18, will provide the first cohort of 100 men (aged 21 to 40) with four key modules: Reception and Access Control Management, CCTV Monitoring and Patrol Duties, Incident Reporting, and Crowd & Emergency Response including Fire Safety.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference on Monday, Education Minister Prof. Ntoi Rapapa outlined entry requirements: a minimum height of 173cm and a COSC, LGCSE, or IGCSE qualification. He noted this marks the second UAE initiative following computer skills training for300 primary teachers.

“This training serves as a pilot for our planned Security Guards programme under the Technical and Vocation Department (TVD),” Professor Rapapa stated. “We intend to integrate these courses into our four national Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) schools: LOIC in Maseru, TTI in Thaba-Tseka, CCCC in Leribe, and Ntlafatso in Mohale’s Hoek.”

He acknowledged the challenge posed by the UAE’s height requirement in Lesotho, expressing hope for adjustments in the second cohort.

The ministry will actively track trainees; employment outcomes. “We will monitor them individually after training – whether they secure jobs locally, within SADC, or internationally, including potentially in the UAE,” Professor Rapapa explained. “Success could see trainees employed in security firms domestically or abroad, or even starting their own businesses.”

He added that a progress report would be issued after one year, and success could lead to similar partnerships with other nations.

Education ministry Principal Secretary, Ratšiu Majara, stressed the value of the skills: “These qualifications open doors to jobs in hotels, airports, major factories, and embassies, both locally and internationally.”

Additional requirements include physical and mental fitness and reliable internet access via smartphone or computer.