11 May 2026

Initiatives focused on creativity and hands-on learning such as the Youth and Kids (YOKI) African Fashion show, are emerging as important platforms for youth empowerment and economic participation.

Such initiatives come at a critical time when Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has increasingly become a national priority, aimed at strengthening practical skills, promoting entrepreneurship and improving employability among young people while reducing reliance on theoretical education.

Under the YOKI initiative, young people aged between four and 25 gather to explore fabric patterns and design with registration running from January until the end of August annually. 

The programme is designed to nurture creativity, empower future entrepreneurs and help tackle unemployment through fashion and the arts.

Once enrolled, participants receive structured assignments and attend free training sessions every weekend, culminating in the annual YOKI African Fashion show, with semi-finals held in September and the grand finale in December each year.

In addition to showcasing their creativity and technical skills, participants also gain access to educational opportunities, with all YOKI participants qualifying for tuition discounts at Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies ranging from 10 percent to full scholarships for top performers.

Formed in 2023, by fashion designer and also director of Met Designs Fashion and Met Kiddies Academy, Montle Rantatana, YOKI was born out of her strong resolve that mainstream education alone is not enough to mould a successful future for the youth. 

A conviction that stems from her own lived experience as an unemployed degree holder in Professional Design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Botswanafashion entrepreneur practiced her fashion design skills merely as a hobby before transforming her passion into a thriving career path.

“I didn’t wait for a job to come along for me, instead I started designing as just a hobby,” said Rantatana in an interview, adding that from that hobby, her Met Designs Fashion and Met Kiddies Academy empires were founded.

Since the founding of Met Designs, Rantatana has secured major designing deals for top pageantry organisations such as Miss Botswana and Mrs Botswana, with whom she continues to design for.

For her, the ever-evolving nature of the world requires theoretical education partnered with a scarce skill to ensure that youth reach their full potential.

Rantatana shared that throughout the years, YOKI has resulted in three participants who managed to successfully launch their businesses in the creative industry while three more have completed their courses at GUC University.

The fashion talent noted that she planned to expand the show beyond Gaborone and surrounding areas, to further villages such as Shoshong and many others in time, for YOKI season four this year.

“My hope is that YOKI African Fashion Show continues to equip youth even in remote areas with the skills and confidence to shape their futures,” she said. ENDS