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Stephen Masele, Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals
The
government has urged technical colleges and universities to ensure they
introduce courses in lapidary and jewelry technology in an effort to
create local experts who will be able to add value to the diverse
valuable gemstones found in the country.
Speaking in Arusha earlier this week, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Stephen Masele said Tanzania is in dire need of experts in the area especially because the country is pushing for value addition on minerals before export.
Maselle was speaking at the Arusha Technical College’s pavilion at the ongoing 2nd Arusha International Gem, Jewelry and Minerals Fair (AIGJMF) in Arusha. Notably, Arusha Technical College (ATC) is the only college that offers such course in Tanzania.
“This sector is yet to be exploited it is now high time for colleges and technical institutions to introduce these new courses,” Masele said.
Masele commended Arusha Technical College for its elementary level course in the said fields saying: “This is a very commendable step…we want more colleges to chip-in so that our minerals are value added before export,” he said.
ATC’s spokesperson Gasto Leseiyo, said the first batch of students started early this year with 16 students enrolled to study jewelry polishing, cutting and designing
“We are working on putting in place better learning and teaching facilities before we introduce other related courses,” he said.
Speaking in Arusha earlier this week, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Stephen Masele said Tanzania is in dire need of experts in the area especially because the country is pushing for value addition on minerals before export.
Maselle was speaking at the Arusha Technical College’s pavilion at the ongoing 2nd Arusha International Gem, Jewelry and Minerals Fair (AIGJMF) in Arusha. Notably, Arusha Technical College (ATC) is the only college that offers such course in Tanzania.
“This sector is yet to be exploited it is now high time for colleges and technical institutions to introduce these new courses,” Masele said.
Masele commended Arusha Technical College for its elementary level course in the said fields saying: “This is a very commendable step…we want more colleges to chip-in so that our minerals are value added before export,” he said.
ATC’s spokesperson Gasto Leseiyo, said the first batch of students started early this year with 16 students enrolled to study jewelry polishing, cutting and designing
“We are working on putting in place better learning and teaching facilities before we introduce other related courses,” he said.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
