05 Oct 2015

The Serowe youth officer has implored members of Motlaagana wa Banana Society to take advantage of available youth schemes to empower them to venture into business.

Ms Orelebile Bogale said this during an empowerment workshop held at Motlaagana wa Banana school recently. Motlaagana wa Banana is an non governmental organistion established by Ms Rebecca Motswetla to equip out of school youth with handcraft skills such as textiles, pottery, bead work and wood carving.

The officer encouraged the graduates and trainers to apply for the youth fund to start their own companies. She said textile businesses were given a three months grace period before they could start repaying back the loan.

Ms Bogale urged Motlaagana wa Banana members to form partnerships to start businesses. The official revealed that they have only one textile beneficiary in Serowe funded by her department, and said Motlaagana wa Banana graduates stand a great chance to be financed. 

She added that there was still an opportunity to start a textile business. Ms Bogale emphasised that the youth fund was for every unemployed Motswana youth. She   added that with the Madirelo Testing Center certificates they acquired after training, they qualified for the fund.

Motlaagana founder and coordinator, Ms Motswetla said she was touched by the number of youth roaming the streets and saw it fit to empower them with skills. She said since the school’s first intake in 2011, over 30 students have graduated from the school.

Ms Motswetla said although the school was doing well, it has challenges as it was not funded. She said although they have a high number of applicants, they cannot accommodate all due to constraints such as machinery and qualified personnel.

“We want these youngsters to make a living out of the skills acquired here. Empowering them with skill will not only prepare them for the workplace but also to start their own businesses.”   

One of the graduates, Mr Gaselathwe Montshiwa makes bags and other items. Another graduate, Mr Nimrod Othusitse, made a chair that won him first position in the Central District Social Community Development competitions in Tonota. He makes chairs which he continues to sell to provide for his family. ENDS