07 May 2017

Botho University (BU), in partnership with Gaborone Bonnington South constituency, on May 6 launched the sports and career coaching clinic targeting the youth and out of school children in the area.

Speaking at the event, MP for the area, Ndaba Gaolathe said the collaboration between BU and the constituency dates back to 2015 when the two decided to form a partnership and collectively address the needs of the community.

He, however, explained that the partnership had over the years come handy, as they were able to mobilse the community to deliver specific priority targets aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people despite limited resources.

Regarding specific projects or undertakings they have been involved with, he said they included tree planting, donations of various items to the community, tutoring needy students from primary and secondary as well as ICT training among others.

In an endevour to continue the spirit, MP Gaolathe said they have now collaborated with various sporting professional coaches from BNSC, Botswana Rugby Union, Botswana Football Union and BU to impart skills to primary, secondary and out of school youths.

“The aim is to impart life-long skills on the future generation with a view to have them realise their goals and diversify employment opportunities in line with the national goals,” he said.

For his part, BU PRO Vice Chancellor-Internationalisation and Communication, Ravi Srinivasan said they have collaborative ventures with the private sector, government, civil society, community based organisations, NGOs and individuals who strive to promote socio-economic development.

He said participation in community engagement had always been at the core of Botho University’s vision. Srinivasan said individuals, faculties, learners, and staff members have carried out various activities that had engaged communities especially on the welfare of children.

To this end, he said the university’s response had made significant achievements in areas such as skills development, conducting leadership training and basic computer skills in different schools in Gaborone and surrounding areas, donations and tutoring among others.

Meanwhile, Kgotla Mosoma from the dean office of staff and students outreach said the objective of the project was to provide coaching on different codes to children and youth.

He said it included nurturing their talents as well as creating a conducive environment for learning.

He said the role of Botho University in the project would be provision of facilities for training on a monthly basis.

BU will also provide training equipment and logistical arrangements for the sessions. ENDS