YTV recruits media students and graduates

joins the fight against Covid-induced economic breakdown

Interns, attachment students and fresh graduates recruited to the station

Station urges private institutions to keep hiring under-experienced youth

YTV

YTV has recruited a number of interns and graduates to play their part in the fight against unemployment. The COVID-19 induced economic downward spiral has disproportionally impacted the youth. The scarce job opportunities for youth ultimately represent the unemployed and underemployed, which inevitably has adverse implications for future employment, savings and earnings. This delays financial independence, security and a drastic depreciation in skills, talents and competencies, which will reflect in the economy.

YTV’s actions were swift and precise in accruing fresh graduates along with interns so there is no loss of skill in transit.

“It is our responsibility as a television station to engage qualified youth. YTV conceded to this earnest plea and public outcry by employing young graduates and offering mentorships and skill transfer opportunities to the unemployed graduates of Botswana. Few organisations have taken the initiative to do the same due to the opposing effects of COVID-19. The tough economic hits have crippled many businesses. YTV has not been an exception but our concern for the future of the nation, far outweighs any economic interests we may have. A nation whose youth are sidelined and not provided with adequate opportunities for growth is already a ruined nation. When the youth are unemployed they become frustrated, hopeless and they turn to drugs, and other criminal acts which is what will be the undoing of the nation of Botswana if we do not all collaborate to create opportunities for the youth.” YTV general manager, Rykie Wade reiterated.

High numbers of media graduates are either unemployed or engaged in occupations they were not trained or equipped to operate in. YTV expresses their faith in young talents by taking them in and investing in them. This recruitment has produced a well-trained, knowledgeable and experienced workforce. 70% of the population of Botswana is youth-aged under 35. According to Trading Economy, the unemployment rate in Botswana increased from 17.1% to 23.3% in the year 2020. Since the advent of the coronavirus, employment opportunities, internships and attachments have been either cancelled or suspended. This has created an unsettling concern for the future of young graduates.

“The youth that we have employed have demonstrated great potential and diverse talents. We have seen high levels of innovations, enthusiasm and passion. What makes them different is their ability to recall practical theories and applicable contents from the classrooms. They possess and unfathomable wellspring of knowledge. They remind us at the office of some of the things we had long forgotten. I would urge other organisations to invest in the youth of Botswana because these are the same individuals who will carry the nation when we are long gone,” Rykie added.