11 Jan 2016

A delegation from the ministry of education in Seychelles has expressed interest in establishing partnerships with some education institutions in Botswana.

The delegation is in Botswana as part of a mission to learn about technical and vocational and training (TVET) institutions and other education certification and accreditation institutions.

The visit is a follow up to the visit which the Minister of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Dr Unity Dow undertook to Seychelles in September last year where she signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Botswana and Seychelles.

Speaking at a courtesy call to the permanent secretary of MoESD yesterday in Gaborone, the acting permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr Simon Coles stated that the response of teachers applications who are interested to work in the Seychelles was amazing, adding that Botswana would surely be sending teachers there.

He said Botswana was challenged with the rate of unemployed qualified teachers, stating that the teachers exchange programme would help infuse these teachers into the Seychelles education structure.

Mr Coles said it was a good initiative because the teachers would come back home enriched to drive Botswana forward.

He said being an expatriate teacher was fascinating for young people, noting that a lot of candidates have applied.

The acting permanent secretary said the ministry would shortlist applicants starting next week of which those who qualify would be interviewed through Skype.

Mr Coles, however, said Botswana still faces the challenge of lack of skilled artisans in the technical vocational profession.

The Seychelles head of delegation, Mr Jean Alcindor said they were looking for teachers in English, social sciences, pure sciences, mathematics and technical subjects.

He said the Seychelles was interested in attracting people to agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure so as to sustain the country and in the process assist tourism.

Mr Alcindor said they were also interested in horticulture, landscaping and bee keeping amongst others in a bid to diversify and create more opportunities.

He said they were expecting to learn a lot from Botswana as they would visit the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA), TVET institutions and BIUST among others.

Mr Alcindor said following the MoU signing last year they were looking for more partnerships with Botswana.

He said they had expressed interest in acquiring 35 teachers from Botswana, adding that they were waiting to receive them. The delegation leaves on Sunday January 17. Ends