Thirty Gumare residents who completed training in road paving under the Ikageng Skills Development Component (ISDC) have been encouraged to use their newly acquired skills to establish businesses and create sustainable livelihoods.
The graduates received Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) accredited certificates during a graduation ceremony held at the Gumare Rural Administration Centre on Wednesday. They also received construction tools to help them start undertaking projects.
As part of the programme, the graduates constructed an 800-metre internal road in Gumare, giving the village improved infrastructure while allowing participants to gain practical experience in road construction.
Addressing the graduates, Okavango District Council Secretary Samuel Aaron congratulated them for successfully completing the programme and challenged them to make good use of the skills they had acquired. He encouraged them to work together, form construction companies, and compete for projects within the construction industry instead of waiting for employment opportunities.
Aaron said the practical skills gained through the programme could help improve their lives and contribute to the economic growth of the district if they were put to good use.
Explaining the purpose of the programme, Deputy Council Secretary – Operations Michael Israel said the ISDC was established to empower communities by equipping participants with practical skills while implementing projects that benefit local residents.
He said the initiative promotes self-reliance by improving employability, creating income-generating opportunities, and reducing dependence on government assistance. Israel added that the programme allows participants to gain valuable work experience while contributing to community development.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, graduate representative Tebogo Motogora thanked the council, trainers, and the people of Gumare for supporting them throughout the training. He said although the road construction project presented a number of challenges, the group remained committed until the work was completed.
Motogora said the training had equipped them with practical knowledge and confidence to undertake similar projects in future whenever opportunities become available.
Meanwhile, Rapid Skills Development Centre (RSDC) representative Moitiredi Mmile assured the graduates that the certificates awarded to them are accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority at Intermediate Level, making them nationally recognised qualifications.
Mmile encouraged the graduates to continue upgrading their skills and work towards becoming qualified technicians. He also urged them to establish construction companies that can compete for contracts and create employment opportunities for others in their communities.
Officially closing the ceremony, Okavango District Council Chairperson Gaopalelwe Ronald urged the graduates to maintain high standards of workmanship in every project they undertake, saying quality work would earn them the trust of clients and open doors to more opportunities.
Ronald further appealed to the Okavango District Council and other government departments to support the graduates by awarding them construction projects. He said this would enable them to apply the skills they had acquired, earn a living, and contribute to the development of the Okavango District.
