08 Apr 2026

New Era College has sponsored 10 beneficiaries through the KAGO Scholarship, a new initiative aimed at equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant training. Speaking at the launch event in Gaborone recently, the college’s public relations and partnerships manager, Mr Kgosi Moremong said the beneficiaries were selected through a transparent and merit-based process.

He said the KAGO Scholarship targeted members of the Gaborone community and aimed to bridge the skills gap by providing hands-on training in construction-related fields.

The programme offered training in key areas including bricklaying, plastering, painting, ceiling installation and design.

Also, he pointed out that beyond technical instruction, the programme also incorporated industry attachment and job placement support to enhance employability.

“This initiative is very close to our hearts, it allows us to give back to the community we serve, not only by offering education but by ensuring that participants gain meaningful opportunities in the workforce,” Mr Moremong said.

In addition to community beneficiaries, he noted that the college had extended the scholarship opportunity to two members of its own grounds and maintenance staff, enabling them to upgrade their skills while continuing their employment.

The course instructor in the Construction Department, Mr Edmore Dupwa expressed optimism that the KAGO Scholarship would contribute to building a more skilled workforce while strengthening ties between the institution and the community.

He said they would strengthen practical skills within the construction sector and introduced a hands-on short course focused on equipping participants with essential building techniques and safety knowledge.

Mr Dupwa said the six months course was designed to ensure that learners acquired critical competencies that directly impacted the quality and safety of construction projects, adding that learners must first understand tools, their uses and maintenance before engaging in fieldwork.

“We do not just take you into the field immediately. You must first understand the tools, their uses and their maintenance. Safety in the construction industry is very important,” Mr Dupwa noted.

He said the course followed a structured progression from classroom-based theory to real-world practice, ensuring that students not only learned concepts, but also applied them effectively.

“From tool handling to setting out and executing construction tasks, every aspect is reinforced through hands-on experience,” he said.

By combining theory with fieldwork, Mr Dupwa said the training initiative aimed to produce skilled, safety-conscious builders capable of meeting modern construction standards.

He said as Botswana continued to develop its infrastructure, such programmes were expected to play a vital role in shaping a competent and reliable workforce in the building industry.

Also speaking at the event, Kgosi Kenneth Thari expressed gratitude to the selected cohort and encouraged them to remain disciplined and committed to their studies.

He reminded beneficiaries that the opportunity came at no cost and urged them to adhere to school rules and avoid absenteeism.

Kgosi Thari said as Botswana continued to expand its infrastructure, initiatives such as the KAGO Scholarship were expected to play a critical role in addressing youth unemployment and developing a competent, safety-conscious workforce within the construction sector.

The KAGO Scholarship Programme, valued at over P250 000, provided full tuition for the Building and Construction Programme.

It is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative developed in partnership with the Office of the Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington North and the Block 8 Kgosi’s Office. BOPA