16 Aug 2018

Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) is working round the clock to introduce a basketry weaving course in some of its satellites in an effort to recognise the skills of basket weavers.

CITF was established for crash-course training using competency based modular training to upgrade the skills of artisans and craftsmen to meet the demands and challenges posed by the building and construction industry.

CITF recently opened a satellite station at Tsau in Ngamiland.

It, however, intends to start the course at Moreomaoto satellite in Boteti District before the end of this financial year.

CITF officials recently held a stakeholder meeting at renowned basket weaver, Ms Thitaku Maphaha of Botswana Quality Basket’s business at Matlapana. The meeting attracted basket weavers from Maun, Sepopa, Etsha and Matlapana.

One of the officials, Mr Geoffrey Matswa confirmed in an interview that they were in the process of introducing the course, adding that they held the meeting with basket weavers to sensitise them about the idea. 

He said since most of the basket weavers were old people, they want to ensure they transfered the skills to the younger generation.

He said they were currently working on the logistics to register with Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA), adding that one of the requirements was to engage basket weavers.

After registration, he said they would develop a programme as they wanted to use some of the basket weavers as subject matter experts as they had a wealth of experience. 

Mr Matswa revealed that some of them would be assessors, instructors and judges, and that “we are happy that they are willing to take part and we want to formalise the idea so that they sit in the framework. They will be the first class of recognition prior learning, and we want these women to be formally recognised,” he added.

Meanwhile, some women who attended the meeting hailed CITF for taking the step to recognise their abilities, creativity and skills.

They said the idea was a welcome development as most of the basket weavers would now acquire certificates.

One of the attendees, Ms Katenya Pithatho of Ngamiland Basket Weavers Trust at Etsha 6 said the basket weaving sector was neglected, but yet contributing meaningfully to the economy.

She said initiating the course would take the sector to another level as it would attract more attention from locals, noting that most basket weavers were women who did not go to school and that weaving was a God given talent.

Ms Pithatho said they had a wealth of experience and expressed happiness that their work would now be recognised. 

Ms Thitaku Maphaha also welcomed the basketry weaving course, noting that it would attract more young women as it was one area that they could explore to eradicate poverty. 

She said some basket weavers had over 30 years’ experience, but most people took their work for granted, stating that “people will now come out from their slumber and realise the importance of handicraft work.”

She hoped that the course would also be offered at the newly opened Tsau satellite so that they could access it closer, adding that the course would help in supporting the development of the arts and crafts sector in the region. Ends