13 Sep 2016

Naledi Senior Secondary School achievers will represent Botswana at the Junior Achievement Africa company of the year competitions billed for Zimbabwe on December  7-9.

The achievers through their company: The Bird’s N’est, scooped position one after beating Lapapier Company from Matshekge Senior Secondary School who settled for second position and another company Kyec  also from Naledi at position three.

The Bird’s N’est  designed a business service in which they offered a white dove release and display service that strived to enhance the beauty of any occasion be it weddings, funerals, memorials, birthdays or any occasion. 

The doves, as a symbol of peace, could be displayed or released to beautify and create a memorable occasion.

This year’s Junior Achievement Botswana (JAB) national competitions, held at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School, sought to unearth unique products and services through companies run by students in different schools and the winners will represent Botswana at Africa level. 

Although Botswana junior achievement achievers had been doing well especially at Africa competitions over the years, this year was no exception as products and services displayed at the competitions were of good quality indicating that students have sharpened their business skills that is hoped to someday relieve the country of heavy dependence on mineral revenues.

One of the adjudicators at the event, Ms Keboneilwe Mosena said although achievers had shown commitment and innovation towards their various products and services, they however needed to work on their self-confidence and that they ought to manage their time during presentations.  

They were also advised to proofread their business proposals and business advisors had been urged to work closely with students and support them.

On a positive note, achievers were commended for their innovative ideas, good marketing strategies and outstanding business structures.

 JAB executive director Ms Tshidi Tlhong said JAB competitions have grown significantly because when they started in 1996, the competitions were at national level only but today, they have subregional and regional competitions before achievers can qualify for the national competitions.

She has also indicated that some former achievers who have created their own businesses are doing well.  

Nevertheless, she stated that they are yet to source funds to establish a system that can track former achievers’ businesses and how they are doing.  

However, some of them have now become peer educators and adjudicators for the JAB programme.

About 74 companies from junior and senior secondarys schools across the country competed under different categories. ENDS