30 Aug 2023

The Mayor of Francistown, Mr Godisang Radisigo, says investing in the youth is crucial for the future of the country as it could lead to economic growth and competitiveness.

Giving a keynote address at a youth empowerment workshop in Francistown on Tuesday, Mr Radisigo said investing in the youth helped build a strong, educated and skilled workforce, as the youth were the future leaders of the country.

Mr Radisigo said: “Investing in youth can reduce poverty and inequality by providing opportunities for employment and personal development.

“Young people are often more open to change and innovation, and investing in them can lead to greater economic growth and competitiveness.”

He said investing in youth could also improve social cohesion by reducing crime, delinquency and mental health issues, adding that government had come up with programmes and policies geared towards empowering the youth.

He said it was imperative to invest in the growth and development of youth so as to empower them with necessary skills and ideas they need to be independent.

Mr Radisigo urged all youth to actively engage in various government programmes tailored to enhance their living standard.

He said young people should exhibit resilience, determination and dedication for them to be able to achieve their goals.

Mr Radisigo also advised youth to bear in mind that success was not only measured by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact people have in society.

He implored young people to uphold the values of society and contribute positively to their growth. He encouraged them to refrain from drugs, theft and all forms of unlawful activities that hinder progress.

Youth were also encouraged to shift their mind set to opportunities that could be a stepping stone towards realising their dreams.

Mr Radisego appealed to the young people to support and rally behind the Modiri Lucas Charity Organisation, which is the brain child of specially elected Councillor Modiri Lucas.

He explained that the foundation had not only organised youth empowerment workshops, but had also donated wheel chairs to the underprivileged people.

For his part, the founder of Modiri Lucas Charity Organisation, Mr Lucas said his organisation aimed at closing the lifestyle gap by providing assistance to communities.

Mr Lucas indicated that the foundation also aimed to improve the lives of individuals and families living in poverty.

Mr Lucas said the foundation also advocated for social justice by working to change policies and systems that hinder equality, adding that the organisation had taken the initiative to collect Junior and Cambridge certificates on behalf of the students at Botswana Examination Council (BEC) in Gaborone.

He said he realised that former students have difficulties in collecting their certificates hence the decision by “The foundation to give a helping hand.”

Mr Lucas said currently, the foundation had embarked on another project to assist in replacing 30 damaged house doors and 100 door locks for various vulnerable members of the society in Francistown.

Mr Lucas said to realise the goals of Vision 2036, Batswana must change their mindset and show compassion to society.

“In order to achieve the goals of Vision 2036, we must walk the talk and change our mindset,” he said.

The Director of EBAT consultants, Mr Ogomoditse Maruapula, encouraged stakeholders to support youth and put more value to ideas of the youth.

Mr Maruapula said youth should have the spirit of team work as individualism does not work, saying different skills complement each other and it was easier for skills and ideas to be shared and implemented in a team than as an individual.

He said more energy should be invested towards productivity than engaging in drugs and criminal activities.

The one-day workshop was held under the theme, “Unlocking opportunities in the job market,” which underscored the importance of creating avenues for youth to flourish and contribute meaningfully to society. ENDS