Partnership Paves Way for Botswana's Industrialization

In a bid to transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Botswana, the Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology has partnered with the Paris School of Jewelry. The partnership, hailed as a bold step toward unlocking the country's potential in the diamond value chain, was celebrated with a launch event in Oodi. Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Prince Maele, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing the country's education sector challenges and unlocking industrialisation goals. The partnership, a result of three to four years of work between Botswana and France, aims to provide market-oriented TVET and create entrepreneurs who can create employment.

Key Takeaways:

• The partnership between Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology and the Paris School of Jewelry aims to transform TVET in Botswana and unlock the country's potential in the diamond value chain.
• Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Prince Maele, has hailed the partnership as a bold step toward addressing the country's education sector challenges and unlocking industrialisation goals.
• The partnership reflects Botswana's vision of providing market-oriented TVET, where the government steps aside and gives companies the driver's seat to align training with industry needs.
• The participation of private sector companies, such as providing internships, equipment, and funding, is crucial for the success of the program.
• The partnership will provide students with the opportunity to acquire skills in Jewelry Design, and the college has established a Diploma in Jewellery Design, thanks to the collaboration with the French university.
• The college has admitted 139 students since the program's inception in 2016, with two intakes of about 29 learners each in the past year.
• The college is facing challenges with workshop resources and staffing, and is pleading for more support from the ministry in terms of resources and staffing.
• The training program relies on building a strong backbone of private-sector collaboration that benefits students, the college, and the country at large.

Statistics:

• 139 students have been admitted to the program since its inception in 2016.
• The program has seen two intakes of about 29 learners each in the past year.
• The college is hopeful of producing graduates who can employ themselves and create jobs for others.
• The partnership has a three to four year history of development.
• The college plans to enroll students into a newly established Diploma in Jewellery Design this semester, thanks to the collaboration with the French university.

Sources:

• Lindi Morwaeng, Byline: Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele
• [No exact publication date specified]