HRDC Capacitates Arts Teachers in The Chobe Region

In a bid to develop Botswana’s Human Capital, the Department of Human Resource Development Planning (HRDP) through the Creative Industries Sector Committee held a Capacitation Workshop aimed at developing Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA) teachers in the Chobe Region.

The workshop was held from 27th – 30th March 2017 at Chobe Regional Office in Kasane. The Creative Industries Sector Committee is one of the 12 established sectors of the economy managed by   Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).

The aim of the workshop was to develop resources for effective CAPA implementation, to provide hands on training to identify CAPA teachers, explore and analyse the effects and usefulness of the capacities and functions of the teacher/ facilitator role that is relevant in unearthing and nurturing natural art talent.

When giving the opening remarks, the Regional Education Officer in the Chobe Region, Mrs Tekolo Kgokologa applauded HRDC for hosting this kind of workshop in the Chobe region. She urged the trainees (teachers) to pay more attention and gather knowledge that will be earnestly imparted to the learners at the classroom. She said at the end of the workshop teachers will become intellectually reflective educators. They will be able to demonstrate clear understanding of the place and importance of the arts in the society and also within the education sector. This workshop will equip them with skills to be able to critically reflect on the learner responses and attitude towards Creative and Performing Arts subjects.

When officially opening the workshop on the 27th March 2017, Mr Meshack Tafa, Chief Operations Officer of HRDC asserted, “Our Organisation has established 12 Sector HRD Committees, one of them is the Creative Industries which seeks to develop and encourage a vibrant visual and performing arts culture in Botswana.’’ He emphasised the importance of the arts as part of child development and stated that if well cascaded, Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) can go a long way towards early identification of learners who are apt towards the arts. This therefore, means they should be channelled through appropriate education streams (multiple pathways) that will offer them in - depth knowledge and practical experience.

In conclusion, Mr Tafa applauded the Creative Industries Sector Committee for piloting the capacitation project in the Chobe region as the subject could be of interest among the young learners at schools. The Workshop culminated in Teachers receiving Certificates of Appreciation at the closing ceremony.

 

News Date: 
Monday, March 27, 2017