14 Aug 2018

- Mochudi library graduated 57 trainees, 51 of whom graduated in basic ICT skills while six graduated in the newly initiated braille.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on August 10, one of the trainers Mr Collen Keeditse said the two courses were fully accredited, free, convenient adding that they were inclusive to everyone from all walks of life and  beneficial as they enhanced one’s general livelihood and credentials.

Mr Keeditse said since the inception of the programme, they had since received testimonials from graduates whose lives had changed for the better after enrolling for the basic ICT course.

He also applauded the trainees for their endurance and patience especially the elderly who found it fit to enrol for ICT course and made sure they attended until completion.

Moreover, he said braille course was currently running in Gaborone and Mochudi.

He said it would benefit both the general community and the visually impaired highlighting the significance of the course in Mochudi which had large numbers of the visually impaired because of the already existing facilities that catered for them.

Mr Keeditse further said it was mandatory and humane that the general public learn braille so they may be able to comprehensively interact with the visually impaired with ease.

He also said that people should be made aware of the ongoing digital migration that would eventually replace the traditional library concept as they were working round the clock to fully go digital and introduce an e-library with a few e books currently tried.

Meanwhile another trainer, Ms Irene Baposi said being a trainer was not an easy job as it required patience, passion and commitment from both trainers and trainees.

Ms Baposi also decried shortage of equipment for both courses and pleaded with the public to make pledges and donate computers they no longer used to help address the situation at hand.

She also implored males to register for the two courses citing that since inception they had registered a minimal numbers of males.

For his part, the district programmes officer Mr Gape Mojapelo implored the graduates to utilise skills and knowledge they acquired in the process of their training, reiterating that the focus of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Sport and Culture Development was to develop youth and try to create a conducive environment by providing skills, platform and opportunities.

Mr Mojapelo said it was dependent on the graduates and the youth at large to make use of the programmes in place to identify opportunities, fill the gaps and flourish.

“Empowerment heavily relies on you. Don’t entirely rely on government. Rather come up with solutions, research, implement your ideas and don’t let fear draw you back from trying,” he said.

Graduates representative, Ms Mathudi Moremi said she was grateful for the opportunity to improve their lives from the skills acquired.

Ms Moremi said as an elderly person, the course prepared her to learn, explore as well as to leave her comfort zone

She applauded the patience and endurance of their trainers who she said were encouraging all the times. ENDS