10 Mar 2014

The modern technology such as the internet, cell and iPhones and laptops is like a foreign language to most elderly citizens, but not to 87 year-old Mr Shaw Mokgadi of Kgamane ward in Serowe.

Despite having sight problems Mr Mokgadi is learning his way around the desktop and wants to use his laptop to write stories and poetry pieces as well as to communicate with friends and family.

Attending computer classes at the local Serowe Library twice a week has been the most important activity and creative outlet in Mr Mokgadi’s life. The Setswana adage that thuto ga e golelwe is much relevant to the grandfather of eleven as he is the oldest student studying computer literacy through the Sesigo Project at Serowe Library.

Mr Mokgadi is living proof that ‘age ain’t nothing but at a number’, and that education has no age limit.

The energetic Mr Mokgadi explained in an interview that one can only stop learning when he or she is dead, and people should take chances and keep on learning.

“I do not want to be 100 years behind technology; I’m keeping up with the times,’ he said.

“Technology affects every last one of us, so it’s critically important that young and old people learn about what’s going on not just here in Botswana , but around the world,” he said.

A retired pastor at Seventh Adventist Church, Mr Mokgadi said he did Standard 6, and because he was passionate about learning he did short courses in pastoral theology.

He said to him age has not been an obstacle, because he knows what he wants in life, adding that even his children know that as all are university graduates.

He noted that one can never go wrong with education. Mr Mokgadi said he learnt about this programme during its launch last year at Serowe Library and after the event he approached the library assistant and registered.

However, he said because he was the only eldest candidate he thought they would never enroll him. In January this year he got a call telling him that in weeks’ time the course will start and he should get ready.

He said education is not acquiring a degree only; one can still succeed even if they do know have a degree or diploma. He said people have to learn to take advantages of opportunities presented to them.

Mr Mokgadi who owns a laptop, said he wants to use it to write some of his works, especially his poems for safe keeping.

He noted that technology is good when used for the right purpose, adding that a lot of people especially young ones misuse technology.

Mr Mokgadi said technology is not bad at all citing Daniel 12 V 4 in the Bible, which says as years goes by knowledge will increase.

He appealed to the youth, children and the elderly to enroll for the Sesigo project, saying there is nothing to be ashamed of.

“It is for one’s benefit, I always tell my congregation to stand up and move with the times,’ he said.

The man of many talents Mr Mokgadi, has in his life time been the Director-North Region of the Voice of Prophecy Bible Corresponded, has also been appointed by the government through the Ministry of Local Government in the task force of the Bogosi jwa Babirwa controversy.

In his spare time Mr Mokgalo likes to read autography’s of legends, like of the first President of Botswana Sir Seretse Khama, the second President of Botswana Sir Ketumile Masire and also of American President Barack Obama. He noted that he would also write one on himself. Sesigo signifies efforts by the Government of Botswana and partners to enable the public access to computers and internet. ENDS