16 Sep 2013

Some teachers have welcomed the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development partnership in the design of the 2014 phonebook cover. The design of the phonebook has been an annual competition for local artists; to submit original art pieces for the phonebook.

The corporation has since last year worked with students in the initiative, hence the partnership with the education ministry this year. A press release from BTC stated that the competition had been designed as a school project where the winning school would be awarded P30 000, while second and third placed will get P15 000 and P10 000 respectively.

The release also stated that a monument will be built at the winning school as a way of cementing ties between BTC and the school. An art teacher at Ghanzi Senior Secondary School, Thari Mokgatlhane welcomed the initiative saying it could have long been extended to schools.

Mokgatlhane indicated that involving students would enable them to appreciate the relevance of art in society and as a career. He added that geographically artists or students in remote areas had been marginalised in such initiatives.  Nonetheless, he said his school was prepared and was also impressed with the progress students were making despite short notice.

He explained that they have formed a committee to brainstorm ideas with regard to the theme ‘keeping in touch’.  As teachers, he said they were expected to mentor students by explaining to them that BTC mandate as well as helping them think outside the box about the theme. Meanwhile, Thapong Visual Arts Centre coordinator, Reggie Bakwena also hailed the idea as a great initiative for students to nurture their skills. He added that the initiative will also help them as an art centre to identify new talent.

As an art centre, Bakwena said Thapong encouraged students to register for membership with them.  The centre also helps students who are registered with them to work with professional artists, as well as submission of their art works for exhibitions; which Bakwena said would help students improve and develop their craft.

Thus, young artists had been encouraged to take advantage of the platform and showcase their skills and talent. ‘The BTC encourages young budding artists to take the craft seriously and consider it a career that can earn one a living.’ Submission for entries for BTC 2014 phonebook cover competition closes on September 30. Ends