GEITA GOLD MINING LAUNCHES “GGML LADIES MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME"

GGML’s Finance Officer, Joscar Rumanyika, explains benefits of the mentorship programme to students at Kalangalala Secondary School. GGML is launching it's extended mentorship programme as part of the company's events to mark International Women's Day.

Senior Training Officer from the Human Resources Department from GGML, Lina Sitta explains benefits of the mentorship program to students of Kalangalala Secondary School.

Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) is pleased to announce the relaunch of its highly successful “GGM Ladies Mentorship Programme” after a one-year hiatus. The program is back and better than ever, with an expanded reach that aims to empower young people beyond Kalangalala Secondary School.

This initiative will now extend to Geita secondary schools, reaching more schools in the Geita region.

During a recent visit to Kalangalala Secondary School in the Geita region, Hadija Kisatu, one of the 'GMM Ladies', a group of female employees at Geita Gold Mine, spoke to students about the mentorship program.

The program was conceived by the group in 2021 and spearheaded by Kisatu and her colleagues, before being launched the following year.

The initiative began when the group identified a shortage of mining experts available for employment by mines in Geita, the lake area, and secondary schools.

"It is important to visit students to help them understand the work that GGML is doing, as well as to discover their talents and determine which subjects they should study," she said.

She stated that every child should have equal opportunities in life, regardless of their gender. The mentorship program should aim to promote academic excellence for all.

In addition to explaining the various jobs and departments that take place in the mine, Hadija advised the students to be fully committed and dedicated in whichever career path they choose.

The Senior Training Officer from the Human Resources Department from GGML, Lina Sitta explained the benefits of the mentorship program to the students. The program will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses and use their weaknesses to improve their strengths.

Sitta emphasised that the program is a valuable opportunity to learn from others. The students will break out into groups based on their interests, and two mentors will impart their knowledge and experience to the mentees.

Janeth Luponelo - Resource Evaluation Manager at GGML also added that the innovative initiative aims to empower young people in selected secondary schools across Geita by providing mentorship, guidance, and inspiration.

“As we approach International Women’s Day (IWD), GGML reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and its maxim: Mining to Empower People and Advance Societies.

“Mentoring is a useful tool for both professional and personal development. It allows mentees to learn from seasoned professionals who have travelled comparable journeys, bridging the knowledge and experience gap,” she said.

She said the goal of the "GGM Ladies Mentorship Programme" is to help young women realise their full potential by providing them with supportive relationships and assistance.

“Through the pairing of seasoned GGM workers with high school pupils, our programme builds a network of support that encourages development, resiliency, and self-assurance. By sharing their knowledge, expertise, and experiences, these mentors will assist mentees in overcoming obstacles, exploring career alternatives, and developing critical life skills,”.

Terry Strong, Senior Vice President - Africa Business Unit said “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our operations. By investing in mentorship, we invest in the future of Geita. These young women will become leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.”

Simon Shayo, Vice President - Sustainability & Corporate Affairs (Africa) added that, “The ‘GGM Ladies Mentorship Programme’ exemplifies our dedication to gender equality and community development. We are proud to support the aspirations of Geita’s young women.”

One of the beneficiaries of the mentorship programme is Adam Jonas, a Form V student at Kalangalala Secondary School, who said the programme had given him answers to various questions he had about his studies and made him realise that he could pursue a career as a geologist.

"I realised that apart from a career in geology, one can also consider a career in law and teaching. I would like to ask GGML to continue this programme in different schools so that students can learn to see the opportunities that lie ahead of them.

And Jasmin Jacob, a Form III student studying business at Kalangalala Secondary School, said the programme had given her a better understanding of how to pursue her dreams.

"Our mentors explained to us what we will face in real life after we finish our studies. Their words gave us the courage to work towards achieving our goals. They explained different career paths related to the subjects I am studying, such as accounting, engineering and geology," she said.

The Impact of Mentorship;

• Inspiration: Mentors serve as role models, demonstrating what is possible through hard work, determination, and perseverance.
• Skill Development: From communication and leadership to problem-solving and time management, mentees gain practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.
• Career Guidance: Mentors provide valuable insights into various professions, helping mentees make informed decisions about their future.
• Confidence Building: Knowing that someone believes in their potential boosts mentees’ self-confidence and resilience.

Every year on March 8th, the globe observes International Women's Day to honour the accomplishments of women everywhere and to promote gender equality. Initiating the "GGM Ladies Mentorship Programme" at this momentous occasion, GGML demonstrates its dedication to furthering the rights and possibilities of women.

GGML acknowledges that sustainable mining encompasses more than just mineral extraction; it also entails empowering individuals, fostering education, and upholding communities. Our goal of a prosperous Geita, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, is ideally aligned with the "GGM Ladies Mentorship Programme."