03 Jun 2018

Kanye -based National Food Technology and Research Centre (NFTRC) managing director, Dr Martin Kebakile has challenged teachers to be creative and help transform the country from a mineral-led to knowledge-based economy. 

Dr Kebakile told Kanye sub-region teachers at Lodubeng Park during the annual teachers day celebrationsJune 1, that transformation process thus required serious thinking and full commitment from those who delivered the education system and stakeholders. He also indicated that developing nations still had a lot to do to catch up with the world. 

“We need to be careful how we craft our education systems so that we can mould minds that can be competitive at a global level,” he said. Dr Kebakile argued that creativity was about problem solving, independence of thought as well as being able to create solutions for social and economic challenges. To develop creative minds, he said learners should be given an opportunity to learn through experience. He said many experts believed that critical personal skills like working in teams, working across functions, lifelong learning, priority perspective and developing something out of nothing, emotional intelligence, among others should be inculcated into learners to prepare them for future challenges. 

He said a learner should however be able to understand their emotions and those of others. Borrowing from the famous words of Mr Jack Ma, Alibaba executive chairperson, when receiving his Honorary Degree from Hong Kong University, Dr Kebakile said the future would not be knowledge-driven but creativity driven. 

“That’s why at NFTRC we can’t employ you based on how much you can remember what you were taught, we want creativity,” he said. Dr Kebakile said the theme, ‘You and I can deliver the most needed quality education in Botswana,’ was alligned to the United Nations’ fourth goal of sustainable development through inclusive, equitable quality education and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all. He said the theme was also premised on national aspirations enshrined in the Vision 2036 second pillar on human and social development. 

He said the pillar expressed aspirations that Botswana society would be knowledgeable with relevant quality education which was outcome- based, with emphasis on technical and vocational skills plus academic competencies.

To that end, Dr Kebakile warned teachers to educate themselves through e-learning and keep pace with the world.

He said the world was moving fast and thus also advised teachers to collaborate, share information rather than working in isolation. 

Mathiba JuniorSecondary School head, Mr Monthy Keipeile in his vote of thanks also challenged teachers to be creative when they delivered content to students. 

Mr Keipeile, who had received the best performing junior school award certificate, said doing so could improve results. He also thanked the event organisers for coming up with rewards for top achievers to motivate them. 

He said the token of appreciation would inspire his teachers to give their all. Mr Keipeile also advised teachers to take advantage of NFTRC training programme on food technology to start their own businesses rather than solely depend on one source of income or waiting for retirement benefits. 

Meanwhile, Ntebogang and Tlhomo junior secondary schools took second and third positions respectively while Rachele topped the primary school category followed by Segopotso and Ketlogetswe. ENDS