Multiple pathways TVET training off to positive start
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme is anticipated to start its pilot project in two schools, Maun Secondary school and Moeng College.
In recent years, government has improved investment efforts in TVET, which is a training and learning programme that provides competencies, knowledge and skills that will accord students the ability to find employment in key sectors in demand for the economy, or go into self-employment.
Maun Senior Secondary School will offer TVET in hospitality and tourism, while, Moeng College will focus on Agriculture.
The aim is to pilot the projects in both schools, and depending on the success of the programme, roll it out to other senior secondary schools across Botswana.
Government has indicated that the capacities of the TVET authorities is to manage and implement demand-led vocational education and training and also further education measures in selected occupational fields such as agriculture and tourism.
The pilot project is spearheaded by ministries of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology and Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development.
In a statement to mark the start of the implementation of the pilot project, both ministries noted that “The project aims to create demand orientated, modern and dynamic curricula, as well as teaching and assessment material.”
Maun Senior Secondary School will soon complete construction of training facilities for hospitality and tourism students, who will be enrolled under the newly-launched Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Maun Senior Secondary School has been selected for the pilot project of the multiple pathways and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The school will offer studies in tourism and hospitality, to fit into the environment of the small town, which is largely regarded as a tourist hub as it is frequented by international tourists.
A total of 480 students will be enrolled for vocational pathway training, 630 will fall under academics and a little over 200 will be enrolled for vocational education.
School head Lekala Legwaila told the media that preparation is at an advanced stage, however, should they lag behind, they would use the existing facilities to start classes.
“The first time is largely theory so we could use the pre-existing facilities. Hopefully, the building project would be complete once the students start with their practical classes.”
In Palapye, where Moeng College is situated, Palapye sub-region chief education officer Didimalang Maemo said the pathway training addresses the plight of modern human resource approaches that delve into the improvement of skills for the Botswana job market.
Maemo explained in January during a capacitation workshop, that all learners would do fundamental subjects (English, Life skills, Maths and Setswana) and then later focus on the electives subject, which are categorised as the subjects that support the pathways that learners will need to enrich their learning and future employability prospects.