FNBB BOTESSA, GUC SCHOOLARSHIP LAUNCH
The unveiling of the FNBB BOTESSA GUC Scholarships was held on the 03 July 2021 at GUC where Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies (GUC) Managing Director Dr Dr Antoney P. Joseph addressed the athletes. When officially launching the scholarships the Botswana National Sports Commission Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tuelo Serufho pointed out that he was delighted at what BOTESSA has done under the leadership of Mr. Keorapetse Setlhare by securing eleven (11) scholarship opportunities from GUC. In his keynote address the CEO highlighted that the scholarships will also give the athletes an opportunity to focus on sport and education at the same time hence having something to fall back on when they retire from sport.
This has proved to be critical during the covid-19 pandemic and he commended the GUC management for giving the BOTESSA athletes that opportunity. He pointed out that BOTESSA has made history in the sport fraternity and he also encouraged those athletes to work very hard in order to progress to another level. The CEO also urged other institutions to come on board because the athletes are struggling out there to secure scholarships during this Covid-19 Pandemic. A partnership with Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) enabled those students to get a second chance at education through the diligence and devotion from GUC to promote education and sport.
The athletes will be given an opportunity to choose certificate courses of their choice with prospects of passing and progressing to higher levels of their respective courses. The BOTESSA President said that the athletes’ scholarship programme was intended to contribute to the development and maintenance of the athletes. He further said that the programme will also act as an investment for BOTESSA in preparations for FISU World University Games, FASU and CUCSA games hence giving the athletes an opportunity to compete at a higher level. Mr Upenyu Chiparo, the GUC Director of Academics, revealed that there will be flexibility in their learning environment citing that their learning management system would allow students to submit assignments online. He further stated a structure that would allow the students to actively play sport without missing out on class proceedings. The athletes were a combination of Five (5) females and Six (6) males from different corners of this country envisioned to start their courses on the 06 July 2021.