19 Aug 2013

The manager of the Centre for Business and Secretarial training, Ms Sibusisiwe Sibanda says education is a vehicle for the development of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Ms Sibanda was speaking at a Satellite South youth centre graduation ceremony at the Satellite Park where 64 students graduated from different business related courses. She said even if students came from poor backgrounds, with the right education, their personal circumstances might change.

She encouraged graduates to utilize the skills that they had learnt from the institution to go and face the world because through the education received they can partner and establish viable businesses. Ms Sibanda added that for Vision 2016 to be achieved education should be prioritized over everything.

“This is an open door that no one can close, you have to be courageous because the training that you have received will surely change your lives and I believe you can make it no matter what may come against you,” she stated.

She also encouraged parents who had graced the event to fully support them either financially or materially, which she said is very important in the establishment of any business.

The manager said she would like to see a situation where children can be taught business education at a tender age, something which other countries as China have fully dedicated themselves to.

Ms Sibanda said in China children as young as three years are taught how to make electrical equipments and by the time they are grown up they already know which businesses they can embark on.

“We have to strike the iron while it is still hot and that is the only time the fruits of our work can be seen in their lives,” she said.

For his part businessman, Auto Masogo said Satellite is the only place in Francistown that has come up with a center which is dedicated towards empowering the youth to overcome the challenges they face.

He encouraged them to listen to youths programs either in television or radio and avoid wasting time on facebook and other social networks which he said consumes most of their time.  

Mr Masogo said the youth ministry through the youth development fund has increased money for youth projects and noted that only those who are serious and will come up with viable business ideas.

The business man warned graduates who will be funded to avoid using the money for unnecessary luxuries such as cars, drinking, clothes and smart phones.

Furthermore, he encouraged the youth to play an active role during exhibitions so they can network and learn from other business people.

Satellite South youth center is a  center  that was founded by the Satellite ward development committee members  and businessman to assist school dropouts and unemployed youth within the area get the training and skills that can help them earn a living.

To date the center has seen 114 students graduate from the center for business and secretarial training. Ends