25 Feb 2019

Cooperation between the University of Botswana (UB) and the French embassy is expected to boost the education sector, says French ambassador, Mr Pierre Voillery.

Speaking at announcement of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between UB and University of Paris Diderot and University of Paris Nanterre, Mr Voillery said it was pleasing to note that the French universities had entered into an education exchange programme that was expected to boost the learning process of both countries.

He said the student exchange programme would offer broad based benefits and outcomes for students keen to embark on international adventures.

Mr Voillery emphasied the importance of educational exchange programmes adding that international learning and knowledge propelled students towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives.

He said both countries had strong ties mainly in the French language learning process, hence it was fitting for both to promote their human resources development by investing on educational exchange programmes geared towards improving learning French in Botswana.

Mr Voillery said the wide-ranging support and assistance that France continued to extend to Botswana in the areas of education, human resource development, tourism, energy, conservation and technology contributed immensely to Botswana’s development.

A sense of accomplishment upon completion of the exchange programme he said would encourage students to develop independent opinions, make informed decisions and strive to attain fresh goals. Mr Voillery said he was convinced that the development of a productive human capital through effective vocational training was the right remedy for alleviating unemployment and realising economic prosperity.

UB French department head, Ms Rodah Sechele-Nthapelang said it was important for the university to forge ties with international universities since they could not work in silos as university scholars hence the need to strengthen relations with other universities.

She remained optimistic that the memorandum of understanding would assist immensely in addressing issues of race, identity and globalisation in Southern Africa and beyond.

Ms Sechele-Nthapelang said the deal would be on collaborating research between the two countries and student exchanges. ENDS