20 Feb 2024

In a bid to address the growing issue of high rates of youth unemployment and to equip young individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive job market, a workshop focused on enhancing soft skills was recently held in Maun. 

The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in collaboration with UNICEF under the project called Generation Unlimited, aimed at providing unemployed youth with essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, the skills which are often considered crucial by employers when evaluating potential candidates for job opportunities. 

Speaking at the workshop, the Director of Productivity and Competitiveness at the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Bonnie Jim, said the majority of the youth in Botswana lack the important skills that employers are mostly looking for thus the need to workshop them to increase their chances of securing employment opportunities and succeeding in their chosen careers. 

“By focusing on developing these essential skills, young individuals can enhance their overall competitiveness and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market and we aim to bring down the high rates of unemployment by building social networks and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism among the youth,” he said. 

For her part, Education Specialist at UNICEF, Ms Leseka Mukokomani, said in order to understand the challenges that the youth have, it was necessary for such a workshop so as to help and make a difference in their job-seeking journey.  “There is no planning for the future for the youth without the youth, and as the demand for skilled workers continues to rise, initiatives like this workshop play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the unemployed youth and potential employers, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society,” she said.  

Participants engaged in interactive sessions and practical exercises and through role-playing activities, group discussions, and real-life scenarios.   Attendees were able to develop a better understanding of how to effectively communicate, collaborate with others, and handle challenging situations in a professional setting. ENDS