Bursaries meant to give trainees much-needed experience
Thato Ramafu
MASERU, Lesotho – The Lesotho Diamond Academy (LDA) has unveiled a new bursary scheme to enhance inclusivity and expand opportunities in the diamond beneficiation sector.
The bursary scheme was announced last week by academy CEO, Relebohile Molefe on the back of their third graduation.
The first beneficiary, Masoabi Mokoma, an outstanding student previously sponsored by, LDA demonstrated exceptional proficiency in Rough Diamond Evaluation, and was granted a fully funded bursary to further his studies in Advanced Certificate in Round Diamond Brilliantering.
He will be sponsored along with four other colleagues.
Bursaries will inspire skills development
In pursuit of its multifaceted objectives, one of which is to serve as a catalyst for employers in the diamond and jewelry sector to devise skills development strategies, the academy will sponsor four additional students in the upcoming intake starting from February 15. Two of these bursaries will afford a 30% discount on the overall fees for two students progressing from Cutting and Polishing to advanced studies in Rough Diamond Evaluation and two will be fully funded bursaries for two students to study Certificate in Diamond Cutting and Polishing.
Additionally, the institution will extend two fully funded bursaries to the public, fostering inclusivity and expanding opportunities. The Academy is planning to announce the search for two deserving Basotho individuals on its social media pages and website. Importantly, the bursary program bears no age restrictions, reflecting a commitment to fairness and inclusiveness, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, irrespective of age.
As a part of its commitment to continuous learning and industry relevance, Lesotho Diamond Academy has introduced Essential Introductory Courses (mining short courses) with a duration of two weeks commencing from June this year. These courses aim to provide individuals with mining experience, particularly those who have worked in mines in South Africa, an avenue to re-enter the mining sector. The courses offered include the Essential Certificate in Diamond Grading and the Essential Certificate in Diamond Evaluation.
Bursaries a demonstration of LDA’s commitment to affording training experience
Molefe said the offers were in line with the academy’s dedication to affording trainees work experience.
The introduction of essential courses demonstrates the Academy’s proactive stance in addressing industry needs. Recognising the value of prior experience. These courses serve as a bridging gap facilitating a smooth transition into the sector, she said.
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‘’The decision to offer these courses aligns with the academy’s dedication to bridge the gap and ensure that individuals with valuable experience can seamlessly reintegrate into the diamond and jewelry industry. By providing short courses, the academy does not only impart essential skills but also contributes to the sector’s growth by reactivating experienced individuals who had lost access to the industry due to no formal documents showing their experience in the industry,” Molefe said.
She said the LDA’s approach to education extended beyond traditional boundaries. It sought to become a dynamic force in shaping the industry, both locally and in the region as well as internationally.
Bursaries will enhance Basotho’s industries experience
The emphasis on competitiveness within these markets underscored the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only proficient but also globally competitive, she said.
The recent graduation ceremony symbolised a milestone in the academy’s journey.
“The success of its students is a testament to the quality of education and the foresight embedded in the curriculum. The decision to sponsor further education for outstanding performers reflects a belief in nurturing talent and contributing to the continuous improvement of the diamond industry.”
Located in the capital, Maseru, LDA was founded by the late Mphaliphali Molefe, a prominent educator and diamond trader, who recognised that it was imperative to elevate professionalism in the diamond industry.
During the recent graduation, 18 students were capped. Of those, four graduated with certificates in Cutting and Polishing while 14 had certificates in Rough Diamond Evaluation.
“Lesotho Diamond Academy stands as a beacon of innovation and progress in the realm of diamond education. From celebrating student achievements to fostering inclusivity through bursaries, and addressing industry gaps with short courses, the institution is actively shaping the future of the diamond and jewelry sector. As it continues to evolve, the academy’s impact is poised to extend far beyond national boundaries, contributing to the global competitiveness of the industry,” Molefe said.
