Africa-Press – Botswana. It is high time Batswana appreciate Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a perfect solution for youth unemployment, economic diversification, entrepreneurship and a private sector led economy.
TVET is not for those who failed secondary school, Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele pointed out and discouraged associating it with academic failure.
Minister Maele was giving a keynote address at the Class of 2024 Technical Colleges graduation ceremony in Gaborone on Friday.
The combined ceremony celebrated 846 graduates of the four Diploma-offering technical colleges; Botswana College of Engineering and Technology, Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education, Gaborone Technical College and Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology.
Mr Maele said the cohort had not only mastered technical skills and demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, but had also mastered the soft skills that would enable them to live and work in a rapidly changing world.
“The road ahead will be filled with excitement, opportunities, and challenges. But ultimately, your future will be shaped by your drive, choices and determination to succeed,” he said, explaining that technology continued to redefine industries and economies, hence TVET was the key to unlocking opportunities.
He said government viewed TVET as a crucial role player in socio-economic development by equipping learners with the skills and knowledge necessary for productive employment and entrepreneurship.
Minister Maele said TVET bridged the gap between education and employment by providing practical training aligned with market demands and technological advancement and therefore, their role in national development agenda was of great importance.
“Like many other developing nations, Botswana must embrace the ongoing wave of technological advancement and innovation,” he said.
Mr Maele said while the job market held immense potential for TVET graduates, it was not without challenges but such should be viewed as valuable learning experiences.
“Draw on the skills and knowledge you have gained throughout your training, to navigate and rise above them. Your perseverance, resilience and ability to adapt will define your destiny. The skills you gained will open doors, but it is the character you build that will keep those doors open,” he said.
Mr Maele said the theme: TVET: A Sustainable Gateway to Youth Entrepreneurship and Economic Diversification, resonated well with the manifesto of the Umbrella for Democratic Change government under the capable leadership of President Advocate Duma Boko.
He said the ruling party was committed to prioritise vocational and technical training and provide a more diverse economic landscape where various economic opportunities could mushroom.
The ministry’s acting deputy permanent secretary, Ms Neo Sebolao appreciated the hard work, dedication by the graduates, and implored them to have purpose, dream big and work hard no matter the challenges encountered along the way.
She said they were armed with varied qualifications which they must use to their advantage, make use of the available financial providers to start businesses that would add value to their lives and the economy.
“You are drivers of infrastructure development, innovation and ingenuity,” said Ms Sebolao.
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