HRDC SUCCESSFULLY HOST THE 2021 TVET PITSO

The contribution of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the development of the national economy particularly in the sectors of mining, construction, tourism and manufacturing has proven that opportunities for employment creation are abound in the TVET system. The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) has played a leading role by collaboratively working with various stakeholders to reposition and revitalise the country’s TVET system.

HRDC in partnership with the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) hosted a Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) Pitso from 12^th – 13^th October 2021.The TVET Pitso is a platform that brings together critical stakeholders such as Education and Training Institutions, Professional Bodies, Regulatory Bodies, Employers and the Industry together to dialogue on policy matters relevant to the development of TVET as a viable avenue for skills development and employment creation. The TVET Pitso aims to create a platform to promote dialogue between key players in skills training and development with reference to Botswana’s economic skills needs and growth. Skills training and development through TVET System is imperative in providing empowerment of citizens to curb unemployment, poverty as well as ensuring prosperity for all.

The TVET Pitso is a biennial event, the 2021 edition was held under the theme, ‘Transforming TVET for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)’, with the intention to bring forth the requisite readiness necessary for survival in the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

When welcoming participants to the Pitso, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Mr Meshack Tafa indicated that “TVET plays a key role in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and that it is a powerful tool that provides for life skills acquisition, for youth and women economic empowerment, self-employment and industrialisation particularly in rural environment”. Furthermore, Mr Tafa, underscored the need to produce work ready and or budding entrepreneurs with not only salable technical know-how but the much needed soft skills and a yearning to succeed.

Giving the key note address, the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Honourable Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe reiterated that, The 21^st Century has been a period of momentous changes in terms of political and socio-economic developments, with a very definite impact on the societies. These changes and shifts in societies necessitate reforms or transformation of the educational systems to produce a graduate that is relevant to the demands of the world of work and the economy at large. This, therefore, calls for critical review and appraisal of the sector to inculcate 21^st Century skills and more importantly, capacitate the TVET sub-sector in keeping it abreast with the dictates of the ever changing educational trajectory.

The then Minister of Employment, Labour and Skills Development, Honourable Mr Mpho Balopi, conferred an appreciation of the role played by UNESCO-UNEVOC in TVET. He thanked UNESCO-UNEVOC for its paramount role of focusing on contributing to the overarching UNESCO goals in TVET which includes assisting member states to improve and integrate TVET as part of global education for All Campaign.  He pointed out that UNESCO has developed a TVET Strategy for 2016 – 2021 which has three priority areas, being Fostering youth employment and entrepreneurship; Promoting equity and gender equality and Facilitating the transition to green economies and sustainable societies.

Giving the closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary for then Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Gaeimelwe Goitsemang recommended that hundred (100) young people should be invited in the next TVET Pitso and should be offered an opportunity to partner with business entities. He explained that TVET Pitso must provide hope to young people and must clearly indicate that all key stakeholders within the sub-sector understands the plight of the youth and will collectively address the identified challenges. Mr Goitsemang stated that, “Recent statistics on unemployment, point to troubling levels of unemployment of young people, particularly in our country”. He said that TVET Pitso must facilitate the development of viable and impactful programmes that will curb youth unemployment, hence, it is imperative to create innovative partnerships to advance national goals.