25 Aug 2014

Students have been urged to take practical subjects seriously as they are a gateway to curbing unemployment and can pave way for economic diversification.

Speaking at the National Practical Subjects Fair in Gaborone, one of the most celebrated women, Mrs Tumi Ramdsen appreciated the Ministry of Education Skills and Development, landmark decision of introducing the practical subjects fair.

Mrs Ramsden said the initiative would promote business at great length in the country in the long run, adding that “this initiative will also foster cohesion and skills transfer amongst subjects involved.”

She said the theme: Practical Subjects: Paving Way to Creative and Innovative Generation, fitted well as this was an opportune time for students to showcase their talent in those subjects.

In addition, the acting deputy permanent secretary, Mr Peter Choto, said practical subjects played an important role in developing and improving practical skills in teachers and students throughout the country. Mr Choto said the fair had achieved major objectives of developing and promoting practical skills for the students from all corners of the country.

Students had been accorded a chance to practically express themselves on emerging issues such as economic diversification, entrepreneurship and poverty eradication, he said.

The touring demonstrations and artifacts depicted tremendous talent. The exhibitions ranged from agriculture (animals and fresh produce), music instruments and choir performance. In the hall, Physical Education students demonstrated gymnastics, whilst art, design and technology students also exhibited their products.

For his part, the National Coordinator of the fair, Mr Benny Phiri said that the fair was a moral boost to the education of Botswana and it would enable students to reach greater heights.

Mr Phiri said there was a need to change the mindset of formal education and it was high time practical subjects and the creative industries were taken seriously.

He urged all relevant stakeholders to promote skills development and the corporate sector to provide sponsorship and help in the promotion of talent amongst students and teachers.

The annual fair brought together teachers and students from Senior and Junior schools in Botswana.

The seven practical subjects involved covered Art, Agriculture, Business Subjects, Design and Technology, Music, Physical Education and Home Economics.Ends