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Perspective for Youth in Lesotho: Training in Electrical and Solar Technology
Project SummaryThe project provides young people with vocational training in electrical and solar technology. Through hands-on training and recognized certificates, they gain valuable skills for the job market, enabling them to build long-term prospects. This initiative supports youth in achieving professional independence and shaping their own future.
Background
The Kingdom of Lesotho is a mountainous enclave in southern Africa, ranking 165th out of 189 on the UN Human Development Index. Most of its approximately 2.1 million inhabitants live in poverty, relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. High unemployment forces many young adults to seek work in neighboring South Africa, often in the mines.
This situation has significant health and psychosocial impacts on young people. For instance, 10% of those under 24 are HIV-positive. Teenage pregnancies, youth crime, and substance abuse are widespread. Around 200,000 children in Lesotho grow up without their parents, with two out of three orphans having lost relatives to HIV/AIDS.
In Lesotho, only primary education is free. Poor families cannot afford the fees for secondary and high school. In rural areas, the nearest secondary school is often far away. Although a state-run vocational training system is under development, funding is lacking to provide comprehensive, practical training nationwide. Attending a private vocational school is beyond the financial reach of most young people.
As a result, many youth lack a qualified educational background, severely limiting their chances of securing sustainable employment. Hundreds of thousands are left to scrape by with poorly paid odd jobs—if they can find work at all.
Read moreThis situation has significant health and psychosocial impacts on young people. For instance, 10% of those under 24 are HIV-positive. Teenage pregnancies, youth crime, and substance abuse are widespread. Around 200,000 children in Lesotho grow up without their parents, with two out of three orphans having lost relatives to HIV/AIDS.
In Lesotho, only primary education is free. Poor families cannot afford the fees for secondary and high school. In rural areas, the nearest secondary school is often far away. Although a state-run vocational training system is under development, funding is lacking to provide comprehensive, practical training nationwide. Attending a private vocational school is beyond the financial reach of most young people.
As a result, many youth lack a qualified educational background, severely limiting their chances of securing sustainable employment. Hundreds of thousands are left to scrape by with poorly paid odd jobs—if they can find work at all.
Idea
SOS Children's Villages is countering this situation with its training program. Participants receive comprehensive education in a promising industry, acquiring skills in future-oriented fields and gaining everything they need to be ready for the job market.
In addition to training in the hospitality and textile sectors, young people are provided with thorough education in electrical and solar technology.
A total of 60 trainees are being trained in electrical and solar installation, household appliance repair, and blueprint reading. In addition to eight months of practical coursework, they complete a two-month internship at a local company, followed by one month of peer-to-peer coaching and time to develop their own project, including final preparations. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate recognized by the Ministry of Education.
Achievements So Far
Since 2020, SOS Children's Villages Switzerland has been offering vocational training in Lesotho. As a result, 300 young people without secondary school qualifications have found employment or managed to establish their own micro-enterprises.
Read moreIn addition to training in the hospitality and textile sectors, young people are provided with thorough education in electrical and solar technology.
A total of 60 trainees are being trained in electrical and solar installation, household appliance repair, and blueprint reading. In addition to eight months of practical coursework, they complete a two-month internship at a local company, followed by one month of peer-to-peer coaching and time to develop their own project, including final preparations. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate recognized by the Ministry of Education.
Achievements So Far
Since 2020, SOS Children's Villages Switzerland has been offering vocational training in Lesotho. As a result, 300 young people without secondary school qualifications have found employment or managed to establish their own micro-enterprises.
Implementation
With your support, we aim to help 60 young people build a solid foundation for their professional future through comprehensive training. With just CHF 490, you can fund a young person's education in electrical installation and solar technology, skills that are in demand in the job market of southern Africa. This project is funded from various sources, with a total donation goal of CHF 9,745 for the fields of electrical, hospitality, and textile training. By supporting this platform, you help youth gain expertise in electrical installation and solar technology, enabling a solid education. In the initial phase, CHF 3,285 is needed to cover the actual training costs, as well as ICT and life skills.
We place particular emphasis on the following criteria for implementation and are continuously working on improvements and expansion:
- High industry recognition of the certificates
- Additional courses in business management and IT to support future entrepreneurship
- Promotion of social and personal skills (e.g., conflict resolution, self-reflection)
- Financial relief for trainees and their families wherever possible (e.g., covering transportation costs)
- Targeted support after completing the training, such as assistance in starting their own small businesses
Success Story
Tom (22), one of the participants, shares: “Billy and I completed our training in electrical installation in 2022. Our internship supervisor immediately offered us a job. Today, we work as installers throughout the region. With the money we earn, we can support our parents. We also bought our own set of tools. One day, we hope to start our own business.”
Initiators
Foundation SOS Children's Villages Switzerland and SOS Children's Villages Lesotho
SOS Children's Villages continuously monitors how well the project's goals are being met. Regular meetings with government authorities and vocational schools ensure that adjustments can be made promptly, allowing for ongoing project development. Additionally, SOS Children's Villages collaborates with local companies to maximize job placements for graduates. At the same time, local business owners are recruited to serve as mentors for the young trainees.
For more information, please refer to the FAQ of SOS Children's Villages.
Read moreSOS Children's Villages continuously monitors how well the project's goals are being met. Regular meetings with government authorities and vocational schools ensure that adjustments can be made promptly, allowing for ongoing project development. Additionally, SOS Children's Villages collaborates with local companies to maximize job placements for graduates. At the same time, local business owners are recruited to serve as mentors for the young trainees.
For more information, please refer to the FAQ of SOS Children's Villages.
There are no updates available
| Wincasa | 990,00 CHF |
| Anonymous | 125,00 CHF |
| Laura Schuon | 17,00 CHF |
| Ulrich Frehner | 180,00 CHF |
| Aldo e Adelaide Capoferri -Rigozzi | 185,00 CHF |
| Vermittelt durch Swisscom | 215,00 CHF |
Currently, there are still no project partners if you are interested, please contact us via info@there-for-you.com.
Status of the project
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6 Supporters
6 days remaining
Major donor
Project supported by Swisscom
Impact analysis by there for you specialists
The project in Lesotho offers a promising solution to combat poverty and inequality by equipping young people with valuable vocational skills that are in demand in a growing industry like solar energy. Through training in electrical and solar technology, participants not only gain technical expertise but also the potential to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. This enhances their economic independence and contributes to the region's long-term development by boosting the local economy while simultaneously reducing unemployment and social inequality.
We will send the donation receipt (for Switzerland) in January of the following year.
Primary Partners
