TVET to unlock Botswana’s economic success
In 2019 a cooperation to transform the Technical Vocational Education and Training ( TVET) educational layout began between the governments of Botswana, the European Union and Germany. Botswana sought help from the EU and Germany because they wanted to reform TVET so that it fills today’s market demands and needs.
TVET is the missing link that can take Botswana from a middle income country to a high income country by 2036. Botswana aspires to be a knowledge based economy by the year 2036.
The Minister of Education and Skills Development Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe says that the realisation of this vision anchors on institutions such as TVET, further, that knowledge and the implementation of knowledge can sustain the nation.
He acknowledged the many challenges that have plagued TVET over the years such as quality and relevance, social recognition and multiple accountabilities which compromised efficiency in the system. Through the partnership forged between EU, Germany and Botswana they have made strides at revitalising TVET in Botswana. Letsholathebe’s focus now is to ensure that Botswana becomes an equal player in the global economy.
The sustainable development goal ( SDG) number four speaks of quality education, which does not leave anyone behind. The Minister said based on these factors they cannot afford to leave anyone behind. They have been using symposiums and TVET Pitso’s to reach out to women and show them the opportunities that await them if they pursue TVET programmes.
During the panel discussion held this week at an event to mark the end of the four- year partnership, panellists said TVET can be used strategically to reduce unemployment and empower women, as well as tap the potential of new industries in Botswana. Panellists also advocated for the promotion of gender equality in the TVET education system. Head of the European Union Delegation to Botswana and SADC, Petra Pereyra said they are invested in the transformation of Botswana especially in skills development which is key to boosting the economy.
Pereyra stated that cultural values are an important factor to consider if they want to rope women into careers in the TVET industry. She said the girl child needs mentoring and role models who can pave the way and show them that it is possible. Among factors that impede efforts to enrol the girl child into TVET- focused careers include issues about the general safety of women in boarding facilities when they are being educated. The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Botswana Her Excellency Margit Hellwig- botte said for gender equality to exist in TVET, it has to be made attractive for everyone. This way young women will easily sign up for programmes under TVET.
Business Botswana CEO Norman Moleele believes that the role of every government is to improve the living standards of people. He explained that one way of doing this is by bringing in the private sector. Moleele said one of the challenges TVET is faced with is to ensure that beyond policy making, there is promotion of careers in TVET even within families. “If families do not encourage the girl child then all of this is pointless,” Moleele said. He stated that in the last 10 to 20 years, new professions have emerged, therefore to understand what the future may hold predictive analysis of what careers may emerge/ may help fill in the skills gap in the future. He said that TVET needs to be rebranded and its image and reputation need to be enhanced so that it does not lose its position in the eyes of the people. German Development Cooperation Agency ( GIZ) Country Director, Daniel Bagwitz highlighted the fact that a TVET graduate can bring instant value to a business. This fact alone suffices to get the private sector on board to work closely with TVET in Botswana for its growth.
He urged the government of Botswana to listen closely to the needs of the private sector and cater for them as this will help accelerate TVET’s success.
Pereyra and Hellwig- Botte handed over 110 laptops to Dr Letsholathebe, assuring him that although the cooperation is coming to an end, they will continue actively working with Botswana to contribute to her growth.