Mtei’s feet-based design skills earn minister’s praise

DODOMA: A PHYSICALLY challenged graduate of the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Joseph Mtei has won admiration from senior government leaders after demonstrating exceptional ability in designing building plans using a computer operated entirely with his feet.

His remarkable talent prompted the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Professor Riziki Shemdoe to engage the Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Juma Mkomi, to facilitate his permanent employment at VETA.

This happened during the closing ceremony of Public Service Week celebrations in Dodoma after Prof Shemdoe visited the VETA exhibition pavilion and witnessed Mtei’s skills firsthand.

Refusing to let his disability limit his ambitions, Mtei studied Civil Drafting at VETA for two years and now works for VETA’s subsidiary, Ujuzi Incorporated Company Limited, where he designs building plans and furniture prototypes. Prof Shemdoe commended VETA for nurturing the young professional, saying the institution had transformed his life by unlocking his potential.

“Without VETA, Joseph might still be sitting at home with people looking at him differently. Today, he is doing work that significantly support his parents and help others in society,” he said.

The minister said Mtei’s determination and exceptional skills deserved recognition and instructed that his current contract be converted into permanent employment.

“Joseph (Mtei) should be given permanent employment. The talent he has demonstrated is extraordinary. This is something that deserves support,” he said.

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Prof Shemdoe also urged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to explore scholarship opportunities that would enable Mtei to further develop his expertise.

“I wish I had spent more time at Joseph’s workstation. What he demonstrated was truly inspiring. We should help him refine and expand his skills even further,” he added.

The minister noted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has invested heavily in vocational education through VETA to equip young Tanzanians with practical skills for self-reliance and national development.

“What I have seen today is remarkable. Joseph (Mtei) has proved that every person has the potential to achieve things society may never expect,” he said.

He further urged VETA to identify and support more young people with disabilities who possess exceptional talents. VETA Director General Anthony Kasore said Mtei has become one of the institution’s success stories, consistently demonstrating outstanding performance in architectural drafting and design.

“He prepares building plans, develops designs for clients and contributes significantly to the development of some of our products. His performance has been exceptional,” Mr Kasore said.

Meanwhile, VETA was awarded third place among public institutions recognised for outstanding performance during the just-concluded Public Service Week celebrations.