By Matṧeliso Phulane
EUREKA Groupenment d’ interest Economique (GIE) in partnership with Trans Vanguard this week announced an offer of sponsorships for students to pursue diploma studies in various fields.
According to the announcement, the sponsorship is in consideration of Lesotho’s critical economic growth, technological problems and weather pattern changes
Speaking at the press conference held at Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) which was also virtually hosted, the deputy director of Eureka Africa from Italy, Martino Mateus da Silva said scholarships are open to everyone who is interested to study.
“This agreement between EUREKA and Trans Vanguard is indeed a good opportunity for scholarship, to improve Basotho with quality education.”
Mateus said the main courses offered include entrepreneurs and managers of made in Italy, biomass to energy and fuel, circular economy, remote learning and sustainable architecture system. But some of them will be taught online.
He concluded that as the EUREKA-GIE, they are willing to support such successful students to further their studies after completing the diploma courses.
The consortium EUREKA was established in Tunis, Tunisia in December 2020 and it deals with multilateral project initiatives aimed at cooperation between states and funds allocated by the European Union in favour of Third World countries.
Trans Vanguard (TV) is a non-profit making organization (NGO) that was founded by the professionals from health, development, humanitarian and business fraternities.
It was established in 2017 in Lesotho, with support from Beauty Pageant Association of Lesotho (BPAL). It engages children, adolescent girls, and young women to address their different challenges in their communities.
It also encourages them to be forefront in leadership, development and entrepreneurship initiatives so as to become self-reliant. Trans Vanguard has been known with its doing the rounds in rural schools where it conducted hygienic awareness practices.
The director of Trans Vanguard Lesotho, Reetsetseng Letsoela, said that the organisation was highly grateful to work together with EUREKA to ensure that Basotho pursue their studied, especially those disadvantaged, to study up to the tertiary level after completion of the high school studies.
“There are some who have not reached Form E but they can read and use computers. They are also welcome to improve themselves academically.” Letsoela said.
He urged that scholars can choose any programmes and follow the application procedures after which the Trans Vanguard will assist them to find scholarships.
Every programme costs US$2000 (about M30 000) with the administration fee being US$40 (about 600).
Lesotho’s ambassador to Italy Thesele ‘Masiribane was thankful for Trans Vanguard for being in Lesotho to help Basotho students to improve their skills through studies.
“Europe has plenty of scholarships and Eureka is one of the players. I have analysed how the whole organisation (Tran’s vanguard) operate. The way it operates is very fair and it has made an announcement that has really touched my heart.”
‘Maseribane said: “An advancement in technology has changed nowadays to an extent that there is invention of electric cars. Therefore, people should learn to improve their skills and be innovative since economically stable countries like Italy are willing to help Basotho.”
He advised that Basotho were to be deeply involved in business initiatives and marketing so as to be partners in big companies that compete worldwide. He was mindful of the slogan ‘let’s talk more action.’
“Knowing that, there are issues of human trafficking, those who will be studying, should let the ministry of foreign affairs know about their migration and their scholarships. In that way, the ministry will ensure that particular students are safe,” he said.
‘Maseribane noted that lack of infrastructure and equipment such as internet equipment are some of the main challenges facing Lesotho. He said many people are forced to travel long distances to Maseru to access the technological facilities.
