30 Nov 2015

Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow, has urged pioneers of the upskilling programme to show resilience in their studies. Minister Dow was addressing students the Target 20 000 orientation in Gaborone..

Dr Dow said every child had skill enough to do more if given chance.

“I believe that a child who is optimistic can have a skill in something because God has given everyone some kind of talent which should be used to empower them,” she said.

She further said the programme addressed a situation in which some students could not go through to tertiary because they did not accumulate enough points, .

“That is where Target 20 000 comes in, to say we are giving that student a chance by upskilling what they are good at,” she added.

The minister further explained that there was need to spread the education system, so as to embrace those left out because they did not do well at primary, junior and senior schools.
She also urged the students to persevere and rise above challenges such as accommodation.

“As long as I believe in education and skills development I should pledge that my vision is equity and equal access to education,” said Dr Dow.

She pleaded with the undergraduates to engage in their studies with responsibility to avoid re-takes. She said the standard had been set for them to pass, but if they did not take their studies seriously, life would be be easy for them.

The senior vice president corporate development Limkokwing worldwide, Dato Gail Phung said they would provide undergraduates a chance to fulfill their ambition. She said Limkokwing University would provide a conducive, stimulating and motivating environment to help the undergraduates succeed.

“We want you to be the best you can be. It has always been my personal motto never to settle for second best. I always aim highest and for the best,” Ms Phung said.

She gave a word of encouragement to the fresh undergraduates saying everyone began life as thinkers when they were children and that they were most creative and hungry for knowledge. She further said all should be willing to do anything and know that all was possible. Ends