09 Feb 2020

A total of 404 students from four technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions were on February 7 awarded 22 categories of certificates in a combined graduation ceremony in Gaborone.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, implored graduands to venture into businesses in order to create employment for themselves and other young people.

“As you go out, do not waste your time trying to look for employment, but rather think of creating employment by starting your own companies as this will also open avenues for others to be employed.  As a country, we are currently burdened with unemployment, especially among the youth. Do all that you can to help the government resolve this problem,” he said.

The graduands from Gaborone Technical College, Oodi College of Appplied Arts and Technology, Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education and Botswana College of Engineering and Technology, were urged to embrace a culture of entrepreneurship and use the skills and knowledge they had acquired to uplift their families and improve the country ‘s economy.

Dr Letsholathebe told the graduands that their skills and competencies were needed for the achievement of Botswana’s national agenda, which calls for transformation of the economy from resource to knowledge-based.

The theme: TVET - A Key Driver for Economic Development and Growth, the minister said it was aligned to Vision 2036 that envisaged a knowledgeable society with relevant quality education.

Mr Letsholathebe commended the management of the institutions as well as students’ parents for their efforts in imparting knowledge and supporting learners to achieve their goals.

He applauded graduands for their dedication and commitment and called on them to be good ambassadors of their alma maters.

“As you leave, be good ambassadors of these great institutions that have transformed your lives.  Come back later and plough back to the college so that it continues to produce more graduates,” he said.

For her part, student ambassador Ms Tshepiso Tsimakanyane said people needed to change their mindset with respect to how they viewed TVET.

She underscored the need to nurture and equip young adults with relevant skills to increase their employability and to meet the demands of the world of work.

In his welcome remarks, Ministry of Tertiary Education deputy permanent secretary Mr Oupa Mosesane congratulated the class of 2019 for their accomplishment.

He noted that the colleges offered unique training encompassing giving back to the community as well as issues of morality and ethics. ENDS