Montepuez Ruby Mining Teaches Vocational Skills to Local Communities

Inaugurated by the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Júlio José Parruque, the programme, created in partnership with The Government Professional Training Institute (IFPELAC) will see 2,100 people trained over seven years. At a cost of USD 1.4 million for the entire programme, the VTC facilities incorporate an administrative block, two classrooms, two workshops, changing rooms and two employee residences. The programme aims to create the opportunity for local villagers, especially young adults, to receive a national qualification and become eligible for on-going employment, thereby contributing towards building the regional and national economy, and creating successful, self-reliant communities. According to Júlio José Parruque “This Vocational Training Centre funded by Montepuez Ruby Mining makes a decisive contribution to the training of the local workforce, so that Cabo Delgado youth have the right opportunity and ability to work in the extractive industries of the ruby, graphite, food and other productive areas.” In its first intake, 95 trainees successfully completed the training and received certificates of participation. The next cohort will consist of 300 trainees over the next year. Graduate, Deolinda Jerónimo, has been contracted to work on the Namanhumbir resettlement village, "Before receiving training, I was unemployed and dependent on my parents. Today, in addition to earning my own money, I can participate in the construction of my home. I enjoy my profession and I want to continue to practice it even after the resettlement village is built." The VTC demonstrates MRM's commitment to improving the employability of local young people, creating successful and independent communities and supporting the development of the regional and national economy.