15 Oct 2024

Turkey Ambassador has encouraged participants at a two-week textile training programme at Tlamelong Rehabilitation Centre to take full advantage of the opportunity.

The training programme offered by Turkish Embassy in collaboration with the Turkis Cooperation and Coordiantion Agency (TÄ°KA) and the Botswana Red Cross, is expected to equip participants aged between 18-35 with essential skills in textiles and horticulture, setting them on a path toward social and economic independence.

In his opening remarks in Tlokweng on Monday, Ambassador Ahmet Iden Akay expressed gratitude to all attendees for their commitment to a shared cause.

“This training programme is a continuation of our efforts to provide vocational training and enhance the capacity of this centre, which is much needed,” said Ambassador Akay.

Also, he highlighted the pivotal role of TÄ°KA in enhancing the livelihoods of youth and made reference to the previous donation of sewing machines worth P91 000 to the centre.

The Ambassador also reflected on TÄ°KA’s broader contributions to Botswana, noting the agency’s involvement in various humanitarian projects, including food aid initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“TÄ°KA distributed 1 000 hampers valued at P325 000 to financially disadvantaged families and provided additional support during Ramadan, benefiting 500 families this year alone.”

Also, he said TÄ°KA had invested in education for children with disabilities by donating specialised tools and software to the Selolwe Junior Secondary School, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in Botswana.

A board member of the Botswana Red Cross Society, Dr Olympia Tombe said the training programme was vital for empowering learners with practical skills that would enable them to secure employment or start their own businesses.

He thanked TÄ°KA for the unwavering support adding that since 2020/21 financial year, three over locking machines, nine sewing machines and essential fabrics had been instrumental in enhancing students training.

He further said the Tlamelong Rehabilitation Centre, had been operational since 1974, and had played a crucial role in rehabilitating and training young individuals with disabilities.

Over the years, he said the centre had graduated more than 400 students, many of whom had gone on to make meaningful contributions to their communities. ENDS