24 Feb 2025

AndBeyond, a safari company on Friday launched a chef training school, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to enhance skills and create employment opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Speaking at the launch, Member of Parliament for Maun North, Mr Dumelang Saleshando praised the initiative as a monumental step in empowering youth and elevating communities.
So far the school has enrolled the first three students, who hail from Shorobe, Tsutsubega, and Gogomoga.
“By offering quality education and practical skills training, AndBeyond is providing these students with the opportunity to thrive in one of the most dynamic industries in our country and I am proud to see that the vision for a better future is being brought to life right here in Maun,” he said.
He further advised the North West region to up their game in ensuring that the tourism sector was elevated and enriched.
“The sooner we accept that the diamond industry, which has been our prime breadwinner, is at its lowest, the quicker it will be for us to channel resources toward the relevant industry being the tourism sector, which will uplift our economy and better our communities,” said Mr Saleshando.
He also implored the trainees to be ambitious and work harder so as to secure a brighter future and subsequently play the role in elevating their communities.
For his part, managing director of Andbeyond Botswana, Mr Jason King highlighted that the three young individuals from the aforementioned areas were selected based on their dedication, resilience, and potential.
“With full sponsorship from Impact Life, a non-profit making organisation, the students will receive a year-long training that will equip them with the culinary skills required to excel in the hospitality and tourism sector,” said Mr King.
He further stated that the chef training school would provide a comprehensive curriculum covering both practical and theory aspects of professional cooking, giving students the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and gain hands-on experience.
“We are thrilled to offer this programme to the first cohort of students as by investing in their education and development, we are not only giving them the skills they need to succeed, but also helping to elevate the local tourism industry as a whole,” he said.
Andbeyond human capital and academy director, Ms Linda King stated that the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility had long been a key player in the country’s tourism industry.
“The launch of the chef training school is a continuation of the company’s broader efforts to support local talent and foster long-term growth in Botswana’s hospitality sector and with the certification that students will gain from the academy. We want to empower and up-skill them to make a difference even outside their communities,” she said.
She also noted that at the end of a year’s programme, graduates would receive certification that would enhance their employability in the fast-growing tourism and hospitality industry.
Beneficiary of the Impact Life Botswana sponsorship, Ms Tsotlhe Sakaema expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to take full advantage of the skills to be gained from the course.
“Through this opportunity, I want to gain valuable culinary skills, build confidence, work ethic, and independence. I aspire to use what I have learned to contribute to my community and the broader tourism industry in Botswana,” she said.
Meanwhile, Andbeyond has started admitting interns at the chef training School to allow graduates to gain experience through practical work, which would essentially place them at a better position in the job market. ENDS