Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) has received a donation of 200 academic titles from the Read Japan Project, a contribution that will enhance educational resources at the university.
The initiative, managed by the Tokyo Foundation for policy research and supported by The Nippon Foundation, further strengthens the collaboration between Botswana and Japan.
“This project fosters understanding and appreciation, creating pathways for joint initiatives and cultural exchange,” said BUAN vice chancellor, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele in Gaborone on Wednesday.
The selected books cover various disciplines aligned with BUAN’s strategic focus areas, particularly in the economy, environment and technology.
Prof. Mosepele said the synergy between BUAN’s goals and the Tokyo Foundation’s research domains presented an ideal opportunity for future collaborations.
With the collection, Prof. Mosepele reckons that BUAN’s academic stature and competitiveness in the global marketplace of ideas would improve.
By integrating Japanese cultural perspectives into the university’s curriculum, the initiative also aims to enrich the learning experience for both staff and students.
“In addition, BUAN plans to expand its academic programmes to include the arts, to ensure that graduates are well-equipped with soft skills for the job market,” Prof Mosepele said and explained that part of the university’s growth strategy, would entail developing satellite campuses across Botswana to provide vocational training for the youth.
He envisioned a future strengthened by collaboration and mutual understanding as BUAN embarked on its journey to transform into a world-class institution.
Handing over the books on behalf of the Nippon Foundation, Japan ambassador to Botswana, Mr Shindo Yusuke said while the project targeted young students and researchers interested in Japan, it was also meant to benefit opinion leaders and intellectuals specialising in areas other than Japan studies.
He said BUAN received 178 titles covering various subjects made available by the initiative, including economics, business, politics, international relations, culture, arts and history.
Ambassador Yusuke stated that in today’s fast-changing world, where information was readily available online, the role of books was irreplaceable since they were a bridge between minds and cultures, carrying stories, ideas and histories that inspired and educated.
“A well-curated collection of books provides a foundation for critical thinking, scholarly research and intellectual development,” he said.
Ambassador Yusuke hoped for continued strengthening of academic cooperation between Botswana and Japan in the educational sector to nurture curiosity, embrace cultural exchange and build a future where knowledge knows no borders.
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