04 Apr 2022

BA ISAGO University (BIU) has been lauded for advancing the national agenda of transforming Botswana into a knowledge based economy by 2036.

The Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism Ms Philda Kereng said at the University’s 20 years anniversary celebration that the institution’s efforts had been evidenced by commendable initiatives of the fully resourced career fair.

“The innovative career guidance and counselling initiatives in collaboration with Industry and other stakeholders will surely advance learner capabilities and interests, particularly in programmes which are in line with 21^st Century skills sets.

 Its fairly commendable that a private University such as BA ISAGO has decided to complement Human Resource Development Council’s (HRDC) efforts to advise, plan, fund and coordinate the development of Botswana’s human resource to achieve a knowledge based economy by engaging and integrating various stakeholders,” she said.

She explained that the current unemployment rate of close to 24 per cent called for concerted efforts across various stakeholders to contribute towards employment creation and self-employment.

The historic carreer fair, she noted, was a striking example of Public, Private Partnership (PPP), one of the cardinal forms of collaboration between government and the private sector.

“It is based on the recognition that both the public and private sectors can benefit by pooling together their financial resources, know-how and expertise to improving the delivery of basic services to all citizens.

This is indeed a milestone that we should all be proud of,” she said.

She said she took pride and interest in knowing that BA ISAGO University was now introducing, in its diverse curriculum, programmes in hospitality and tourism, which would give the ministry impetus to develop and professionalise the tourism industry.

Baisago University managing director Mr Odirile Gabasiane described the celebration as a very impressive occasion that marks yet another milestone in the 20-year-history of BA ISAGO University, which is also the best time to reflect on challenges and successes of yesteryears. “As a University, we remain immensely indebted to various corporate organisations who acceded to our corporate social responsibility clarion call by partnering with us in this event.

I am convinced that this is the beginning of long term collaborative partnerships, aimed at transforming the lives of young Batswana.” Mr Gabasiane said.

He emphasised that various industry representatives at the fair provided practical industry expertise and advice, for prospective learners to get a full understanding of the dynamics and dictates of the world of work and entrepreneurship.

Marketing and communications Ms Gugulethu Ndebele said because BA ISAGO University was turning 20 years, they wanted to do something special to give back to the community.

She explained they organised the event with the understanding that a university operated within a community, noting that career guidance was very important to the future of young leaders, but they had realised that not enough was being done to guide and counsel students. “After Gaborone, we will move the career fair to the North and Ngamiland to showcase BIU on the physical side, the ambience, the aesthetics, for learners to appreciate the conducive and welcoming environment to host them for their duration of studies,” she said. ENDS