President Hichilema Commissions Sesheke Trades Training Institute
President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the Sesheke Trades Training Institute, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at providing vital skills development to the rural and marginalized citizens of Zambia.
The president expressed his gratitude that the commitment to delivering skills development has materialized through government interventions, extending opportunities for education and economic empowerment to previously underserved regions.
Addressing the audience at the commissioning ceremony in Sesheke district, President Hichilema emphasized the pivotal role of skills development in reducing unemployment, enhancing productivity, and elevating living standards.
He remarked, “The provision of skills training is not just an investment in education; it’s an investment in the economic transformation of our country.”
President Hichilema underscored the significance of the awards presented at the institute, highlighting the vast opportunities they provide for students to access quality skills training, enabling them to lead decent lives and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic agenda.
He acknowledged the substantial impact of government interventions, revealing that student enrolment in Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) has doubled from 49,000 in 2022 to over 80,000 in 2023.
The President articulated the government’s commitment to upskilling and reskilling the population, emphasizing that such investments lead to job creation, wealth generation, and overall economic growth.
He revealed a multi-faceted approach to achieving this, including infrastructure development with the construction of new trades training institutes, the establishment of polytechnics, and the upgrading of lecturer skills. The President also highlighted the revision and development of new curricula, as well as the transformation of TEVET institutions into centers of excellence.
“The UPND government prioritizes interventions and strategies that enhance access to equitable, quality skills training. Our focus is on creating an environment where individuals can acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving job market and contribute significantly to the growth of our national economy,” President Hichilema stated.
The commissioning of the Sesheke Trades Training Institute stands as a testament to Zambia’s commitment to fostering education and skills development, laying the foundation for a more empowered and economically resilient society.
