06 Oct 2024

Selebi Phikwe library successfully hosted a graduation ceremony for those who enrolled in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programme.

The transformative programme offers basic ICT skills to those with little or no computer literacy ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital world.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Selebi Phikwe on Friday, a lecturer at Selebi Phikwe Technical College, Dr Tebogo Makolobe emphasised the important role ICT played in advancing Vision 2036 which aspired to create a knowledge-based economy through motivation, technology and an empowered nation.

He said ICT was an engine that powered the economy, creating opportunities for information, entrepreneurship and good service delivery. “It is part of achieving sustainable economic development,” he said.

Further, Dr Makolobe said ICT skills acquired by the graduates would enable improved delivery of services and provide solutions that benefitted citizens more effectively.

“With skills that you possess, you are better positioned to contribute to Botswana’s Vision 2036 by becoming self-reliant and playing a role in the country’s economic growth.”

ICT, he said transformed the way people work, think and engaged with the world around them. 

“We must embrace the digital tools available to us and propel Botswana into a sustainable growth.”

Principal Programmes Officer in the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Ms Nancy Mothibedi commended the ICT class of 2024 for the job well done.

She said of the 74 graduates who participated in the programme 80 per cent were females, urging them to encourage other women to participate in the programme.

She explained that Selebi Phikwe library offered the programme every year at no cost, urging the community to take advantage of the programme to acquire basic ICT skills to change their lives for the better.

She also said today’s world required competitiveness and one was better placed if they were equipped with ICT skills.

Kgosi Mark Thipe of Ikageleng ward thanked the ministry for the initiative and said it would contribute immensely to the achievement of a knowledge-based economy.

The ceremony was held under the theme: ICT; A wheel for transformation of mindset to attain sustainable development. ENDS