28 Feb 2018

The Junior Chamber International- University of Botswana (JCI-UB) launched a mentorship programme to be implemented at Gaborone Senior Secondary school (GSS). 

Through this programme GSS needy students will be appointed with mentors from JCI-UB to help them in bridging the gap between secondary school and post-secondary experiences.

This programme has been approved by the Ministry of Basic Education. 

“We want this programme to be an investment of time, something beneficial and heartfelt” said Karabo Badirwang the JCI-UB local president. 

She added that the mentorship programme is targeted at students who tend to shy away from opportunities for various reasons. 

“The reasons include lack of adequate information, family background, societal issues, and negative peer pressure, self-confidence and esteem issues, among others” Badirwang explained.

In continuation, Badirwang mentioned that their new mentorship programme is aligned to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) that seeks to promote a lifelong learning for all. 

With that, the programme seeks to empower students, without boundaries about the importance of limitless learning and opportunities.

The mentorship programme in GSS is also aimed at improving the academic performance of enrolled students through various methods that may benefit students beyond student-teacher bounds.

As of current the programme will only focus on GSS because it is closer to the University of Botswana. 

Other reasons contributing to why GSS was selected for the pilot are the rise in number of students involved in criminal activities. 

“GSS students need a positive influence, for now we just asked students to volunteer for the programme but as time goes on, teachers will volunteer individuals who need assistance”, Timothy Mweemba added.

The launch was embraced by the presence of Boago Ratshoswane, a tax coach. 

He shared his unpleasant journey towards success and advised the mentees to use their challenges to make a positive impact in their lives. 

“Without passion and drive possibilities, your chances of failing are high” said Ratshoswane.

He added that life does not end after completing Form V. 

Ratshoswane expressed his appreciation for this mentorship programme as he believes it will assist students by navigating them with all the necessary steps until they achieve their nearest dream.

The JCI-UB mentorship programme will ensure a healthy relationship between the mentors and mentees for great results. 

Mentors are screened before they are appointed to make sure that the pair is compatible with ambition.

However JCI Botswana will be celebrating 30 years of its existence since 1988. 

So far JCI has eight active local organizations in Botswana. The local organizations can be found in Gaborone, Tsabong, Kanye, Jwaneng, Francistown, Maun, Palapye and Ramotswa.