22 Jul 2013

A total of 30 students have just graduated from the first ever Schools Entrepreneurship Camp in Kasane.

The camp sought to foster early entrepreneurship learning in students around Botswana according to Mr Mooketsi Tekere, who was the driving force behind the concept.  Mr Tekere explained that the entrepreneurship camp was a vehicle for teaching Botswana’s youth to look for a need or problem and to create a solution.

“It helps them to understand their options in a free market economy and encourage them to look for opportunities for themselves,” he explained in an interview.

He noted that they had representation from students as far as Ghanzi, Gaborone and Ramotswa. He added that they enriched opportunities for learning outside the school environment as well as give necessary tools for students to matriculate and succeed in institutions of higher learning. 

The camp, which targeted students in junior and senior secondary levels was held in Kasane and saw students pitching their best business plans to mark a fruitful end to the five day camp. Participating students expressed gratitude at the opportunity to have taken part in the program.

Katlego Molatelo who is doing form three at Ramotswa Secondary was attending the camp, and said that he was motivated by the story of Steve Jobs who started his business when he was 12 years old inspiring him to believe that he does not have to wait to finish school before implementing his business idea.

Wame Snice from Naledi Senior Secondary School said she learned a lot and was looking forward to sharing her experiences with the community and host a seminar to interact and share ideas with other students.

Mr Tekere’s emphasis is that entrepreneurship should not be considered as a last option for the youth or as an option for those who could not get jobs but must be at the very top of every young person’s priority.

The camp which ran from July 14 to 19  was sponsored by Gender Affairs Department, Century Office Supplies, Radipolelo Business Consulting, Thebe River Safaris and Ngwana Enterprises.ENDS