…this was through sponsorship of Chobe Holdings and Palms for Life
Ten young men and women from the Okavango region recently graduated from Mighty Skills Institute of Higher Learning in Maun, completing specialised training in food production and housekeeping.
The programme, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Chobe Holdings and Palms for Life, aimed at equipping youth from underserved communities with critical skills in the tourism industry.
The graduates, drawn from various villages within the tourism-rich Okavango region, are the second cohort to benefit from the initiative. Last year, seven students completed the training and were absorbed into companies within the sector. This year’s intake marked significant growth, with ten students completing their training—many from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Among them was Same Chiqo Nxuwe, who expressed how the programme transformed her life:
“I am happy with where I have ended,” she said. “Before now, I had been facing a lot of issues staying at home and unable to do something with my life because I lacked the skills. Now I think things will be better.”
Another graduate, Shoroka Boo, who completed the course in food production, shared how the training aligned with his passion for cooking and community upliftment.
“I was always passionate about food and saw that there was a lack of the skill in the community. I believed with enough skill, people could benefit—not just to be employable but also if they wanted to start their own entrepreneurial ventures.”
The graduation ceremony was not only a moment of personal achievement for the graduates but also a showcase of how targeted corporate social responsibility initiatives can make tangible differences in rural communities. A total of 57 students graduated from Mighty Skills Institute this year across various disciplines, ranging from early childhood education to international relations.
As the graduates walked the red carpet to the uplifting tune of Céline Dion’s “I’m Alive,” smiles on their faces told a story of resilience, opportunity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Organisers from Chobe Holdings and Palms for Life emphasized the importance of investing in youth to support sustainable tourism and community development in the region.
With the next step in place as the beneficiaries of the sponsored programmes scheduled to go for attachment in the Chobe Holdings campsites the future seems bright as they prepare themselves for their next step in their lives.
