05 Feb 2020

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has set aside P10 million for transformation of Botswana Wildlife Training Institute (BWTI).

DWNP deputy director, Mr Moemi Batshabang, said this at a stakeholder meeting in Maun on Februay 4.

Mr Batshabang said the intention was to help BWTI with appropriate resources to meet the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA) registration and curriculum standards.

He advised that BWTI must introduce other programmes to accommodate emerging issues in the tourism and safari industry as well as Community Based Natural Resources Management Trusts.

BWTI, he said, must also address needs of the broader community.

He, therefore, said the stakeholders’ input was critical in ensuring that the institution reformed for the best, noting that stakeholders were expected to come up with short term and long term programmes suitable for the institution as well as refining the existing wildlife management programmes.

He said the institution hoped to produce graduates who would be effective in the knowledge based economy, natural and cultural heritage and environmental management industries.

Mr Batshabang noted that the BWTI conversion was parallel to Botswana’s transformational agenda and the fourth industrial revolution that entailed use of digital technology and skills for management of economic activities.

The BWTI, he said, was established in 1980 with wildlife management programmes and saw introduction of professional guides short programmes in 1999.

In his welcome remarks, BWTI acting principal, Mr Mpiga Mangubuli, said the institution realised the need to consult with stakeholders time and again to review the curriculum.

Mr Mangubuli noted that the BWTI curriculum was reviewed about 10 years ago.

He said the aim was to ensure the institution provided relevant programmes that would provide matching skills required by the industry.

The BWTI transformation is expected to be complete by 2021 to meet the BQA national agenda for all institutions.

The meeting was attended by BWTI current and former students, lecturers and other stakeholders. ENDS