30 Nov 2016

 Public libraries are integral part of the community as they improve the life of the people in its catchment area.

University of Botswana academic Dr Sebusang Sebusang remarked at the graduation of 112 ICT graduates of Ramotswa Pubic Library recently.

He said ICT skills enable learners to be competitive in the job market hence marketable and employable.

Dr Sebusang said in today’s world, ICT skills are critical for almost all job requirements adding even shop assistants ought to apply some ICT skills.

“If you are not computer literate, it is very difficult to compete for a job,” added Dr Sebusang.

He said a programme such as Sesigo offered by the library has helped the library to remain relevant as community usage went up.

Therefore he said there is need for the library to cater for other excluded communities such as people living with disabilities so that they too benefits of public libraries.

He said ICT skills are critical for human development saying studies have projected that countries which have failed to develop their information and technology infrastructure will forever remain behind.

However, he said the service offered by the library is a step in the right direction as it goes along the government desire to reduce unemployment.

Dr Sebusang encouraged the graduates to consider the training as the first step and move on the further their ICT skills.

About 122 graduated from Otse, Mogobane and Ramotswa and comprised of 93 youth and 27 adults.

The trainees were given basic computer skills as part of Botswana National Library Service to assist the community with free access to ICT skills to improve their livelihoods. ENDS