24 Aug 2014

Participants of the Botswana National Service Programme popularly known as Tirelo Sechaba from Kgatleng District converged at Molefhi Senior Secondary School to undergo training on work ethics and the law.

The district youth coordinator, Mr Olefile Thipe said in an interview that even though there was a delay in preparing for the workshop, the training would still help the participants to adapt to any working environment as they would know what is expected of them.

Mr Thipe said it was important for the participants to be taken through the Employment Act so that they know the dos and donts and also address issues of discipline.

He further said the two-day workshop, which started on Friday and ended Saturday, had brought in different stakeholders who would teach the participants different issues among them financial management, business and how to approach Youth Development Fund (YDF).

He stated that the national service programme was meant to address unemployment among the youth and also deter them from committing crime, which could destroy their future.

Mr Thipe emphasised the importance of addressing emotional intelligence issues among the youth so that they could be able to face challenges, especially that many youth fail to face tough situations and end up making wrong decisions.

He said through some of the stakeholders training modules, like the YDF, Barclays Bank and LIMID, some youth may want to venture into business and as such they would be given that opportunity.

Mr Thipe further said the programme caters for youth between the ages of 20 and 30, after which those above 30 should know where to go.

“This workshop will provide an opportunity for the youth to learn about the working environment and also open their minds for other opportunities offered by the government,” he said.

He said the District Health Management Team (DHMT) has also been roped in to address sexual matters more so that at this age the youth are sexually active.

A total of 450 participants were taking part in the workshop and among them 66 were from Tlokweng. ENDS