Africa-Press – Botswana. Hukuntsi District Council (HDC) and Kang Brigade have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in technical and vocational training while enhancing community development initiatives.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, which was held at Kang Brigade on Thursday, the council secretary, Mr Masaoko Katorah, said the agreement reflected a shared determination to boost skills development and foster stronger community ties, ultimately contributing to a more employable workforce in the district.
“This agreement signifies a joint commitment to collaborate on programmes that will benefit both institutions and the wider community. It also builds on the already cordial relationship between HDC and Kang Brigade,” he said.
Mr Katorah recalled that before the relocation of primary health services, Kang Brigade had a technical arrangement with the Department of Primary Health Services, maintaining its fleet.
“This new MoU recognises the importance of that spirit of collaboration and seeks to expand it into new areas of skills development,” he added, noting that, the agreement outlined cooperation in auto mechanics, carpentry, bricklaying, and welding, with a strong focus on producing competent, market-ready artisans.
“Both parties also committed to exchanging knowledge, technical expertise and industry information to ensure students and staff remain up to date with evolving technologies,” he said.
“The partnership includes in part, attachment and training opportunities for Kang Brigade students by HDC, as well as staff training, industry updates, and the use of council facilities.”
Additionally, Mr Katorah noted that, both institutions would engage in community support activities, joint use of tools and equipment, and, where possible, HDC would offer vehicles, materials, or equipment as training aids.
He indicated that the collaboration also extended to workshops, seminars, and technical attachments, as well as partnerships with industry stakeholders, to expose students to new technologies.
Kang Brigade has pledged to create training slots for at least three HDC employees per technical skill, while availing its facilities and equipment for shared use in line with the Ministry of Higher Education guidelines, Mr Katorah said and noted that, the institution would also ensure its learning environment remained conducive for skills transfer and provided regular reports on collaborative projects.
“To ensure smooth implementation, a joint partnership committee comprising representatives from both HDC and Kang Brigade will be established to oversee activities, set timelines, and track milestones under the agreement,” he said.
Kang Brigade, school head, Ms Tebogo Makhura for her part said, the partnership was a shared pledge to empower young people, boost local development, and create sustainable career pathways for skills training and employment.
She said the brigade currently had 256 students in programmes such as auto mechanics, carpentry and joinery, welding and fabrication, as well as bricklaying and plastering, adding that academic performance had improved from 75 per cent in May 2024 to 93 per cent in May this year.
With a staff complement of 46, Ms Makhura said the brigade had also collaborated with various departments on projects including erection of school gates, carports, and guard houses in Kang.
She said the partnership would align training with local development goals, provide hands-on learning, and ensure graduates met workforce demands.
Ms Makhura thanked the council for its trust and support, expressing hope for a long-term partnership that would uplift communities and inspire progress.
“We are honoured to collaborate with Hukuntsi District Council, especially in the era where the country is facing financial difficulties.
Through this MoU, we aim to align our training programmes with local development goals, provide practical learning opportunities and ensure our graduates are well equipped to meet the needs of today’s workforce,” she said.
Council chairperson, Mr Stephen Lekgobero, said the MoU with Kang Brigade marked a major step in boosting youth skills and employment.
Mr Lekgobero said the agreement aligned with the principle of ‘education with production’, giving students hands-on training in auto mechanics, carpentry, bricklaying, welding, and fabrication.
He noted the council’s fleet would now be serviced by students, providing real-world experience while cutting costs.
Mr Lekgobero urged stronger collaboration between councils and schools, to address unemployment and pledged support for youth empowerment and local development.
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