24 Oct 2023

Francistown College of Training and Vocational Education (FCTVE) and Goo Moremi Resort have signed an agreement  that covers a number of areas in learning and research activities.

The objective of the agreement is to create a framework for cooperation between the participants on the basis of mutual benefit regarding research, skills development and working together in hospitality-related projects.

Speaking at the signing ceremony on October 20, Chief Education Officer - Northern Region, Mr Boy Olekantse, said government recognised the positive impact the hospitality and tourism sector had in shaping the lives of individuals within the communities they operate in as demonstrated by Goo Moremi.

Mr Olekantse said technical education had been observed by many scholars as the cornerstone of progress as it contributed significantly to imparting skills to the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals.

He said the signing of the agreement would bridge the gap between education and industry.

He said two of Goo Moremi’s employees were already at the FCTVE pursuing a two-year diploma in Culinary Arts programmes while six students from FCTVE were at Goo Moremi Resort on industrial attachment.

“This proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the two institutions are more than dedicated and determined to seeing to it that the collaboration brings about the desired results,” he said.

He applauded the two institutions for their shared commitment to the collaboration shown through the signing of the agreement and the significant milestones that they have so far achieved.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of Moremi –Manonnye Conservation Trust, Mr Keletso Benjamin, stated that the agreement was a win-win for both parties and a great example of cooperation between industry-based institutions and government based institutions.

He applauded FCTVE for its renowned training programmes, adding that Goo Moremi was a hospitality company with a stellar reputation and that the two would work together to create a mutually beneficial partnership.

The college principal Mr Asalepele Tobedza, said FCTVE had a five-year strategic plan of forging partnerships with the private sector industries.

He said the college views that sharing resources with the industries would reduce the cost of training for both the industries and the learning institutions and at the same time ensure that both provide the relevant skills and competencies to the learners.

Mr Tobedza appealed to the private sector to consider partnering with FCTVE, adding that the colleges have a massive infrastructure with various departments such as workshops, science laboratories, computer labs, hair and beauty salons, design and technology, sewing studios and training restaurants which go under-used.

“Our student enrollment is at about 1 500 with a staff capacity of about 162.

“However, our current student’s enrollment is 761 with 66 academic staff and about 40 non-academic staff, which means we are far much less than the required number for both students and staff,” he added.

He explained that the mandate of the college was to equip graduates with the requisite skills and competencies for a knowledge-based economy through innovative delivery and programmes that inspire entrepreneurship, ICT application and lifelong learning for the local and global markets.

The theme of the signing ceremony was: “Reset to Rebuild: Transformative, Collaboration with industry in Technical, Vocational Education and Training.” ENDS