26 Jan 2015

Botho University strives to produce holistic graduates, who are not only well versed academically but also excel in other aspects of life, according to the institution's pro-vice chancellor and director employability and development.

Speaking at a signing ceremony of an Arts and Culture Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Botho University and Maitisong, Priya Iyer said, “we want to promote arts and culture within our students and at the same time unearth the hidden talent that some may have”.

She indicated that the partnership was dear to Botho University and when Maitisong approached management with such an initiative, everyone felt it was a fantastic idea. “We are even set to host the first cultural festival here at Botho on April 1 this year,” she said, adding that the festival would not only have song and dance, but will also feature traditional games.

Iyer said it was important that students be informed of such an initiative, indicating that the institution had in the past produced sports stars who took extracurricular activities seriously. For his part, Director of Maitisong, Gao Lemmenyane said the MoU was a ground breaking initiative and students should take advantage of it.

“Botswana is faced with a huge challenge of unemployment especially from graduates and this initiative has the potential to unlock the untapped potential in the arts and culture sector,” he said.

He further said Botho University was a world class institution and the arts and culture initiative will fit perfectly fine into its mission and vision. Lemmenyane said arts and culture allows people to be creative and bring out their individual thoughts to a larger audience and this in turn complements the academic side of things.

“Mark my words, the creative arts industry will grow into a reputable sector and will employ more people than any other sector in the country,” he said. He said the challenge now with the initiative is to integrate technology into arts and culture and how to commercialize it.

“We need to be moving in the direction of commercializing our arts and culture sector so that it helps those that have the talent and at the same time contributing to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said.

He indicated as Maitisong, they will continue to support the creative arts and will work with various stakeholders to put the sector on a better platform. Marang Mutuma, Associate Dean at Botho University said the institution is looking to expose the youth to the dynamics of arts and culture.

“We need to produce well rounded individuals who know their art and culture and they also need to appreciate it,” she said. She called on different stakeholders to embrace the role that arts and culture can play in developing the youth into responsible citizens of tomorrow.

Ms Mutuma encouraged the youth to show interest in their country’s arts and culture and also learn and understand what it means and how they can use it to their advantage after finishing tertiary education. “We are going to teach, develop and expose talent in this institution,” she said.

The creative industry has in the past made considerable strides in improving people’s lives and such initiatives are just some of the steps in the right direction.  ENDS