Leribe __ The District Administrator Leribe has urged the SOS Children's Village graduates to work hard in creating employment.

Mr. Letsema Khalanyane highlighted this at the SOS Children's Village graduation ceremony held in Leribe on Friday.

About 69 graduates recieved certificates with 21 in Sewing, 21 in Food Art and 27 in Construction (Electrical Installation).

He mentioned that Lesotho is in dire need of development thus needs youth who are willing to implement not talk.

Mr. Khalanyane said different procedures are hindering progress in the country thus negatively affecting the businesses.

However, he urged the graduates to get into businesses with the skills they acquired through Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Project.

The District Administrator said it is not by studying for many years that one will be rich, saying the project provides one with skills to earn a living.

He urged the graduates to go and win the market which is dominated by foreigners selling different items than to indulge in depression.

"Let us win the economy of this country," he stated.

Speaking at the same event, SOS Children's Village National Director Mrs. 'Malehana Mafisa said SOS Children's Village is very proud of the graduates who worked very hard.

She appealed to them to go and start-up businesses and hire others but not stopping others from applying for employment.

"Each and every one of you has his own choice to make," she stated.

Mrs. Mafisa expressed her gratitude to the service providers who were part of the project since it's commencement in 2022.

Additionally, she mentioned that the donor funders have not laid any complaint on the service providers hence applauded them for services.

The Country Director said even if they are not called in again in the extension of the project, it will be of competition not because of unsatisfactory work.

She applauded parents for the support they gave to the graduates.

One of the service providers Mr. 'Makhoana Qhotsokoane of Katleho Technical Institute expressed his gratitude to SOS Children's Village for having given them an opportunity to take part in the project.

He mentioned that above mentioned courses are best in helping out communities to take part in the economy of the country.

Mr. Qhotsokoane urged the graduates to go out and volunteer so that in future they will be called for job opportunities.

Moreover, he encouraged them to use social media to their advantage for starting up businesses and not just for posting pictures.

Graduates from different programmes said SOS Children's Village changed their lives for the better.

They said some did not have any direction to take after failing to accomplish high school certification and SOS came to rescue them.

Project Coordinator Mrs. 'Mamatete Letsoso reminded that the project was implemented in the four councils, namely Hlotse Urban Council, Sephookong, Maoamafubelu and Litjotjela community councils.

It targets youth between the ages of 15 to 35.

Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Project focuses on youth who failed to complete their high school studies due to different reasons.