14 Mar 2016

The Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (FCTVET) has upheld its mandate to engage with the community by adopting the Tjilenje Tje Ngwao Cultural group.

They have allocated the group office space within the campus.

The launch of the adoption was graced by the City of Francistown mayor, Silvia Muzila, who congratulated the group for taking the step of seeking help from the college. She applauded the college management for pushing the group mandate to change Francistown into a culturally vibrant community.

Muzila also acknowledged the director of the group, Nosiwa Ntogwa for engaging the 40 unemployed youth members of the group in building something for themselves, and creating employment to keep them away from social vices.

She urged the group to use it to uphold the culture they were well known for in Kalanga dance such as Hosanna.

She further urged FCTVET staff members to train the troupe on some aspects of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance their competence. She also pleaded with the management to continue mentoring them to win more awards as they have previously won the President’s Day Cultural Award.

The mayor advised the group to take advantage of the proposed Central Business District (CBD), which would be located in Gerald Estate, on the eastern side of the college.

She said they should take the lead in promoting their group since the mall would consist of shops that could be a marketing tool for the group.

Ntogwa was the happiest man as he expressed his gratitude towards the college.

He said the group, which started in 2009, has been seeking sponsors. He revealed that they have registered with Botswana Craft for an event, which would be annually held at the Nyangabwe Hill.

He said the partnership with FCTVE has reduced their costs.

He said since the school has a recording studio, they could be given the privilege to record in it instead of going to Zimbabwe as they usually did.

“I gratefully appreciate the faculty of ICT for taking their time to train the group and the school management for awarding a certificate to each member of the group who went through the training,” he said.

He said the computer skills they have acquired were essential as they help them deliver increased value in their artistic work. Ends