12 Mar 2015

Botswana Society for the Deaf, in collaboration with the Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS), on March 10 celebrated graduation of its second batch of sponsored students with hearing impairment.

Twenty students, who were given one year scholarships, under an agreement between the society and GIPS were graduating with certificates in Information Communications Technology. It brought to 30 the number of students with hearing impairment who benefitted from the arrangement, with 10 having graduated two years ago.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the managing director of GIPS, Mr Arjindah Singh said his institution started offering scholarships to students from the society in 2013 following an approach by the society. “It all started in the year 2013, when Botswana Society for the Deaf approached us requesting sponsorship of their students. Having agreed with management, the request was accepted and the first group of students completed their certificate in ICT in the year 2013,” he said.

Vice Board chairperson of Botswana Society for the Deaf, Ms Kerebotse Makhulela said the society looks to empower the deaf by providing them with education, finding job placements, assisting them to access programmes, and disseminating information on issues affecting their lives. “It is for this reason that the Botswana Society for the Deaf is grateful for the gift of education that GIPS has patiently bestowed on the deaf student population,” Ms Makhulela said. ENDS