The graduate internship programme pioneered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Construction Industry Council (CIC) has been transformative.
This was said by graduate interns’ representative Nomfundo Fakudze. She said the programme equipped them with essential skills, valuable mentorship, and practical experience.
She was speaking was during the launch of the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme ( EYEP)UNDP-CIC Graduate Internship Programme at the Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Through the initiative, she said they were not only placed in real working environments but were also mentored, challenged, and empowered.
Fakudze said they learnt the language of construction not just through textbooks, but through on-site training, real-world problem-solving, and collaboration with industry professionals.
Through the programme, she said many graduates have already transitioned into full-time employment, and others are continuing to upskill, pursuing further certifications, and mentoring those who come after them. The journey was a career stepping stone, and a statement to the world that girls also belong in construction: that their voices, hands, and minds are just as capable of building roads, bridges, homes, and futures.
“This programme has also empowered us as young women in the construction industry. We have grown not only professionally but also personally, forming strong bonds and a supportive network. We developed skills in project management, technical operations, safety compliance, communication, and leadership.
“We have immense gratitude and pride as one of the many young women who had the life-changing opportunity to be part of the Graduate Trainee Programme, made possible by the Construction Industry Council and UNDP,” she said.
Adding, she said the confidence and competence they carry were nurtured by the initiative, and were now part of a growing force of young professionals committed to building not just infrastructure, but a better, more inclusive industry and a better nation.
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Appreciating CIC and UNDP, she noted that they invested in young talent and urged them to continue this programme for future graduates.
“Your ongoing support will pave the way for many more young women to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to our communities. We will carry this opportunity forward with dedication, integrity, and a commitment to paving the way for others just as you paved the way for us,’ she added.
Meanwhile, Stefanutti Stocks Human Resources Clerk Gail Groening commended the partnership that has benefitted the young and talented people.
She said it stood as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of strategic partnerships aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
By bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application, she said EYEP equipped young professionals with the essential skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in today’s dynamic professional landscape.
Groening further praised the programme for empowering youth, fostering innovation and building sustainable future-values that resonate deeply with their own commitment to community development and excellence in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
“For us at Stefanutti Stocks, hosting these graduates has been an incredibly rewarding experience. When we first embarked on this collaboration, we envisioned a partnership that would offer mutual benefits, and I can confidently say that our expectations have been far exceeded.
We believe strongly in contributing to the communities in which we operate, and this programme has provided a direct and impactful way to do so,” she said.
Adding, she urged the graduates to take seriously the lessons learned, the connections made, and the confidence gained.
She said the skills gained were problem-solving, teamwork, communication, adaptability, and practical application of their studies, which were invaluable assets that will ensure they thrive in their careers.
“Remember that learning is a continuous journey, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and excited to see the remarkable contributions you will undoubtedly make in your chosen fields.
“To the sponsors, your commitment to youth empowerment is truly inspiring, and we at Stefanutti Stocks are honoured to be part of this impactful initiative. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcoming more talented individuals through this programme in the future,’ Groening said.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader
