Learners urged to invest in their talents

Pini Bothoko | Friday July 17, 2015 10:31

Officiating at the fair, business council chairperson at Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) Humprey Nawa, urged the students to focus on what they do best either in sports or music saying the majority of people are making a living out of their talents.

“Gone are the days when only white collar jobs were considered the best job opportunities. I want to tell you that nowadays people make a living out of their talents. Your exhibitions show what is likely to happen in future if you could hold on to your talents,” he said.

He gave an example of the likes of Nijel Amos, Botswana’s Olympic silver medalist at the Commonwealth games who is making a living out of athletics.

The fair, which attracted 10 regions, was held under the theme, ‘Practical subjects providing skills sustainable youth entrepreneurship.’

Students of Art, Design and Technology, Agriculture, Business Studies, Home Economics, Physical Education and Music competed for first prizes during the exhibition of their products.

Nawa said the students have proven what tomorrow holds for the country if they could only hold onto their talents after completing their studies.

“The country is currently faced with high unemployment but with your talent this should not bother you because you will provide the requisite solutions. I want to see you opening your own business and creating jobs for other citizens of Botswana,” he said.

Nawa further said the products presented by the students were evidence of the sheer talent they possess.

He however challenged them to use the highly advanced technology they are living in as an advantage to their talents to produce high quality products that can compete in the international markets.

Nawa congratulated teachers for their dedication towards the student’ talents, adding that if it were not the for the teachers’ support, some learners would have thrown in the towel. He also said that some practical teachers go an extra mile in supporting learner’s talents in their spare time without even being paid overtime something that he said shows how dedicated they are in assisting students.

He encouraged teachers to continue hosting the fair saying it has the potential of grooming and producing future entrepreneurs.

Nawa pleaded with parents to play an active role in developing their children’s talent and not prevent them from pursuing their passion.

Giving the overview of practical subjects, national fair coordinator, Benny Phiri said he was impressed that the event was successful and boasted a huge attendance, which shows that it is growing.

Phiri also said they have now decided to tour the regions hosting the fair in order to amplify its exposure. He further said that their plan is to ensure that all schools across Botswana partake in the fair, as it would give students the opportunity to exhibit their talents and help them develop a deeper passion. Phiri added that they would now hold the fair annually.