Africa-Press – Botswana. Dulux Botswana has empowered 25 youth of Mahetlwe with painting skills in its mission to meaningfully give back to the communities.
The training programme is aimed at boosting youth with life skills and community development saw the 25 graduates being awarded certificates of completion in Mahetlwe on Friday.
“Instead of just donating paint or painting buildings for people, we go a step further by engaging and empowering the locals with the skill to do it themselves. This way, we are not only improving infrastructure but also equipping people with skills that can sustain them economically,” said Dulux Country Sales Manager, Mr Ayanda Sempe.
The community upliftment initiative is part of Dulux corporate social responsibility, and was executed in collaboration with Molepolole North Constituency office.
He said the painting course covered surface preparation, paint mixing, brush and roller techniques, wall coating and finishing skills.
Mr Sempe said the acquired skills could help the trainees find work in their communities or even start their own painting businesses.
The country Sales Manager said similar community empowerment projects have been carried out in Shakawe, Goodhope, and at St. Joseph College.
Mr Sempe said the projects reaffirmed Dulux commitment to expanding its community outreach programme.
Molepolole North Member of Parliament, Mr Arafat Khan said Dulux graciously consented to his idea of training and empowering the young people of Mahetlwe.
He said the training programme covered painting of the Kgotla shelter walls, tribal administration offices and the community hall.
“This project is about leaving a legacy of empowerment,” said MP Khan.
“Dulux didn’t just paint our buildings, they taught our young people to fish,”the area MP added.Deputy Bakwena Paramount Chief, Kgosi Lawrence Mhaladi said the initiative which included painting of the Kgotla shelter and office was a welcome development.
“Today, our Kgotla and offices have a fresh new face.
This is the spirit of leadership we value,” said Kgosi Mhaladi.
He nonetheless encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity and community service in their future work.
One of the trainees, Mr Gaamangwe Morwaoesi, said they did not just gain painting skills but also learned teamwork, discipline and social skills.
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