BSN Newsletter 003

Botswana Student Network

newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE....

→ Leadership begins with followership → Whatever You Do Now, Your Future Till Thank you For It → Importance of Networking → A New Dawn: Starting on a Fresh Note → Career Guidance And Counselling Training → Youth Financial Literacy Empowerment Workshop → BIUST National Guidance & Counsellors’ Open Day

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Email | [email protected] | www.studentnetwork.org.bw

JUNE 2014 - ISSUE#03

Contact UsBotswana Student Network Soci-

etyP. O. Box 1755 AAD Poso House,

Gaborone, BotswanaTel: (+267) 73907451

[email protected]

Social MediaFacebook:

Botswana Student Network

Twitter: @MotswanaStudentYoutube: MotswanaStudent

Compiler: Tumo Kedumele

ContributorsTsabo Eunice Othusitse

Winnie RamotsisiIshmael AJ ChiposyoOmphemetse Nyatso

Lillian Nkosazana MoremiLillian Moremi

Design by Olerato Salepito. For anything about this newsletter please contact [email protected]

to welcome you to this exciting third edition of the BSN newsletter in 2014. A lot has been taking place in the education arena as BSN strives to positively impact students and youth of this country. Most importantly BSN has a new steering team on board that took reigns in January 2014. The appointments took place at BSN’s historical Annual General Meeting held at university of Botswana, in December 2013.The new team is led by the Chairperson, Mr. Ishmael AJ Chiposyo who is deputized by Mr. Othusitse Paul Dipitso. The Secretary is Mr. Morena Manganja while Mr. Trust Lingi Manyiwa is the vice Secretary. Ms. Osego Winnie Ramotsisi is the Branch manager while Mr. Rebaone Maikano Thapelo is the Finance manager. Ms. Lillian Moremi is now overseeing the Communications department. She is deputized by Ms. Tumo Kedumele. The Events department is now headed by Mr. Omphemetse Nyatso. In addition to the new team, BSN now has a robust branch in Francistown. The branch is envisaged to facilitate activities in the northern side of the country. Moreover BSN has now secured office space at the National Youth Centre courtesy of Botswana National Youth Council. This has smoothened the organization’s day to

day activities. In the wake of the above developments BSN has conducted a number of activities thus far. To that effect, BSN held a leadership induction event dubbed “Leadership with a Purpose”. Furthermore BSN took part in the inaugural Botswana Tertiary Education Fair Roadshow courtesy of the Human Resource Development Council and the Botswana Education Hub. The exercise allowed BSN to reach some of the remotest areas in the country. In the same spirit of taking events outside Gaborone, BSN recently organized a life skills

and a motivational workshop in the northern city of Francistown. This was followed by our recent visit to Matshekge Hill School where BSN had to deliver motivational talk and career guidance to form five students. Our latest event was a career guidance fair to Thamaga Junior Secondary School.It goes without saying that BSN is making huge strides in achieving its mandate of improving academic excellence and empowering youth through knowledge and information sharing. This newsletter offers a detailed account of the recent activities that BSN has been partaking. I wish to state that all the events would not be possible if it was not for the dedication of the BSN team. On behalf of Botswana Student Network I wish to sincerely thank our dear sponsors being DEBSWANA, BEH, HRDC, BMS, and BIUST for their overwhelming support.Let me take this opportunity to welcome you to this thrilling third edition of the BSN newsletter. I hope you will find it informative and inspiring. As always we look forward to hearing from you.

Enjoy and learn

Thank You

Ishmael AJ Chiposyo, Chairperson of Botswana Student Network Society

It is such an honour

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2 BSN Newsletter | June 2014 | www.studentnetwork.org.bw

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Leadership is one component that is of extreme importance and it is the driving force of change in the world. As such Botswana Student Network (BSN) saw it fit to offer this wonderful opportunity to the student community and the public at large.

As the month of February began, the giant academic excellence advocates, BSN, held this massive event at the University of Botswana. The public had a chance to meet the new BSN National Executive team of 2014/15.

The event was graced by the presence of the wonderful, gracious and successful lady, Mrs Lorato Mosetlhanyane, a team player in the John Maxwell International and the founder and owner of an international leadership training and development consultancy company called PinnaLead. The CEO of Print City, Mr Martin Chibanda, was also present. His passion about youth development is unquestionable. The BSN founding executive team was also present.

Mr Olerato Salepito, a member of BSN founding team, started the event with words of encouragement. He said, “Leadership is an action not a position and it is not a mistake but a choice.” He said it is the responsibility of an individual to invest in their leadership skills and contribute to the development of their nation and the world.

Tsaone Mokwatso, also a member of founding team added that leadership comes with great responsibility. She mentioned how important it is to be passion driven in leadership and that at all costs one should not doubt their own potential and to let humility be the banner of their journey in leadership.The mood of the event was further

raised to greater heights of knowledge as the audience was further nourished with much greater information and particular skills in leadership by the main speaker Mrs Lorato Mosetlhanyane. Mrs Mosetlhanyane is a certified leadership coach from John Maxwell team. She highlighted the main points by mentioning that leadership is a calling, and it is an inside-out job which means that one should recognise themselves as their own leader to be able to assume the role of leading others. She explained how it is most imperative

for an aspiring leader to first learn how to be a follower. “Leadership begins with followership,” she continued. She mentioned that as a leader one should know their followers enough and be able to build good networks with them, and also keep alive such relations. She said networking or what is commonly termed “people-skills” proved to be an extreme necessity in leadership.

She concluded with a wonderful bang as she noted that integrity, authenticity, discipline and good listening skills are

Leadership begins with followership

Mrs Lorato Mosetlhanyane, founder of PinnaLead & member of John Maxwell International


the prime characteristics of a leader.

The event was very interactive. Towards the end, the audience were given an opportunity to participate by mentioning how much they learnt, this ushered an atmosphere in which the audience was able to raise the challenges they face in their respective leadership positions and suggested solutions to such challenges.

The event indeed proved to be productive as the audience even pointed out the challenges the education system of Botswana faces and suggested the possible solutions. Some of the issues include the Bazezuru youth failing to access education because of their culture and tradition, poor learning environments in rural and remote areas, lack of parental involvement, crippling mind-set of society and current leaders, beliefs and religion and lack of mentorship just to cite a few.

BSN outgoing NEC and the new broom with members of the UB-BSN Branch

Ms Mokwatso co-founder of BSN receiving her certificate of appreciation from Mr Chibanda.

By Tumo Kedumele

5BSN Newsletter | June 2014 | www.studentnetwork.org.bw

Botswana Student Network (BSN) celebrated its second birthday on the 17th of January this year. Like a baby the organization was conceived months prior to its birthday. Most of us know its name: Botswana Student Network, but not the parents.

BSN started just as an idea. The people who conceived the idea believed in it wholeheartedly. Although it was tough during the way they preserved. I often find their stories about how they struggled to keep BSN floating fascinating. They are hustlers (in the true sense of the word!). They had no financial help, or promises of financial help. They had no offices. They had no one to do the work. There was absolutely nothing except the idea of BSN and themselves. Faced with all these they did not give in. Talk of people with vision!

The idea of BSN was a selfless one. Now Botswana Student Network is a selfless organization. The people who first conceived the idea are more than just selfless. They set out to endure the hardships in order for me and you to have it easy in student life and journey. It is a selfless act because at the end of the day it is me and you benefiting. Their only ‘payment’ is the satisfaction that they have helped us.

I am proud and indeed privileged to have met and interacted with the

people who started this organization. I learnt of lot from them. Today BSN is organizationaly sound and is steadfastly pursuing its mandate because the foundation was well laid.

My dear BSN Newsletter readers join me in thanking the first National Executive Committee of our beloved organization, the parents of this child,

Thank You, Founding Members!

By Morena Monganja

for everything that they have done for us and for every door that they have

Former Projects Manager: Tsaone Mokwatso

Former Finance Manager: Wathuto David

Former Technical Manager: Olerato Salepito

Founder/Former Chairperson: Lillian Nkosazana Moremi

opened for us. To this day though they have vacated their posts (voluntarily) they continue to serve BSN with the same commitment and enthusiasm.


services.

Many people remain dormant failing to realise the massive networking potential waiting to be activated. The reason poverty escalates daily in our lives and opportunities pass us by is due to the fact that we fail to engage in networking. The ability to network is the gateway to numerous and marvellous opportunities.Being able to form a large base of networks allows an individual to

base of knowledge which is a requirement for success in modern society. Networking is

a skill, thus it needs to be developed and nurtured. It requires constant and persistent practice to perfect, hence the need to increase one’s level of knowledge constantly to nurture it.

Research has proved that people with good networks tend to be successful, happy, fulfilled, and fortunate and their relationships last longer, therefore it is vital for our minds and hearts/ whole-being to have and maintain networks.

It goes without saying that some people find networking a simple task whilst it comes as a challenge to most introverts. Therefore to overcome the fear of networking, you need only engage in it and keep practicing until the fear diminishes completely.

Networking is indeed a beautiful art that offers wonderful opportunities and should be considered as a lifestyle. There are many books and notes written about networking that can yield to an individual more knowledge and tips, and will contribute to their personal growth and development. The available material will also nurture their skill of networking and further develop it.

Importance of Networking

Networking is the art of mapping out a vibrant and assuring future for oneself. Simone L. Anderson was right when she mentioned in her book, Networking, that the future belongs to those who can create networks. Networking is the ability to form links with many different people involved in various fields of your interest. It is a healthy interaction in a community in which you are certain to yield fruitful results and that you will also play a critical role in that community/network.

This very minute subject comes across as insignificant in the lives of many, but simply because they fail to comprehend the measure of its importance in their lives. Networking generally plays a major role in determining your success story, and it is indeed the key to opportunities.

One mistake we make is failure to network whenever we are presented with the opportunity, and generally not many of the student community think constructively about the principal key of initiating networks during their period of study at varsity. They overlook the importance of networking in varsity. In the corporate and entrepreneurship world, networking is the central weapon and it is what will sell your products and By Tumo Kedumele

Networking is indeed a beautiful art that offers wonderful opportunities

have an influential role in their own networks, and this gives their product or service a broad base of recognition and consideration. More precisely as an entrepreneur, your product or service stands a good chance of finding the right market, further more you will also stand a good chance of finding employment so easily in your profession when we consider professional networking.

It has been mentioned for centuries that knowledge is power and it is also the ability to cause change, thus one of the most general benefits of networking is gaining an enormous


BSN IN PICTURES

The is a famous quote by Zig Ziglar which say, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing - that’s why we recommend it daily.” This is one of Botswana Student Network’s (BSN) favourite quotes and they live by it. BSN motivate on daily basis, no matter the distance between them and the target audience.

Guidance and Counseling department at Matshekge Senior School found it fit to invite the BSN team to come and have a talk with their students.

Mrs Mekgwe, a guidance and counselling teacher at Matshekge was worried that the students are now facing a critical period of their educational life. She has heard about BSN, and wanted to give them a try since she knows peer education works best.

On the 3rd of May BSN crew honoured the invitation. BSN did not waste any time, first on the podium was Moremi

Nkosazana Moremi, who told the students that their preparation for the future begins now. “Make sure whatever you do now, your future will thank you for it. Only you have the power to make your future what you want it to be. Start now!!”

Students were encouraged to focus more on their books and avoid indulging in rhetoric behaviour to ensure their future is safe.

Students were addressed on issues of academic excellence, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse.

“You are young people and you should have fun yes but make sure the way you have fun will not lead to regrets,most of the time we young people do things and make decisions only to please our friends, we forget about ourselves, we forget what we want only because we want to be part of Lebandla (the cool crew) but remember in five years to come, you will be alone, without the high school crew so start thinking

your future NOW!!”, she added.

Ms Moremi made it clear to students that there is time for everything, the time now is for the final examinations, which require most time and more focus, all the other things will have their time later as life goes on.

Ms Moremi further mentioned that these students should consider themselves lucky to have these kind of Guidance and Counselling Teachers who are brave enough to involve other stakeholders to take part in the their education process.

The Motivational Talk was divided into two sections to ensure that students were engaged fully, the second part of the day was when the BSN Team divided themselves and attended students in smaller groups, advising them on effective study methods and examination preparation tips and sharing the after Form 5 experience.

By Winnie Ramotsisi

Your Future Will Thank You For It.Matshekge Hill Career Guidance Workshop.


For many, as the year unfolds, it marks a new and fresh beginning, new life, new plans and sometimes even a new character. This according to many proves to be a good approach to starting a new year….on a fresh note. Although, at times some people hold sentiments that starting afresh is unnecessary when they consider the many goals, projects and desires still left behind and pending in the previous year. The truth is, time is vast and infinite, yet man took it upon himself to subdivide it into years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds for the good cause of humanity to manage it and for each timeframe to mark a new beginning. Therefore as this New Year unfolds, embrace it with open arms and accept the many opportunities it presents. Nevertheless remain cautious of the fact that time waits for no man and that lost time cannot be found, although each time you get a new day and annually a New Year, for the very reason of rebooting and setting yourself in motion for greater heights or starting afresh. Thus, it is imperative that you make no room for regrets of unfinished business and failures from the preceding year, more time will present itself for their completion. The great and late leader we all respected Nelson Mandela did mention that; The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Therefore be encouraged to carry on despite the holdups and mishaps of the past year.Start your Year on a fresh note and with a fresh mind. It is ancient tradition to write up New Year’s Resolutions and keep them as a constant reminder of your destination, thus let the tradition continue in your life as well. Write down your resolutions, goals, ambitions, aspirations and even your bucket list for this year. This is one greater form of simplicity and a

first step to organising your life. It is also wise that one takes a moment to review their previous year before they advance onto subsequent new one; that is, review your past year’s resolutions, goals, achievements and failures. Proceed on to identifying the areas that require improvement, and then incorporate them into this New Year’s resolutions. You can also spice-up your list of resolutions a little by giving it a theme. Give this year a theme which will define you and the endeavours of your journey this year. Take note that having resolutions does not limit you to certain opportunities of life, it only gives you direction and it serves as a reminder of where you are set and headed. Life is vast and has limitless opportunities that only await to be seized by one with a determined and vibrant spirit; hence you will not

miss them if you are determined to snatch them.

After you have set your resolutions, it calls for action to accomplish them. It is without mere doubt that your list of resolutions is not going to achieve its-self should you remain dormant or inactive. Joel Barker did say: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.Vision with action can change the world”.

Thus you have to identify the necessary steps to take to attain every single goal you have set, and therefore you will have to invest a great deal of effort and time in achieving them. Hence you have to do your level best to manage

A New Dawn: Starting on a Fresh Note


The Careers and Counselling Centre under the University of Botswana held a two day career counselling training for Botswana Student Network members. This training was led by an inspirational, all-rounded lady; Mrs Christina Bitsang, a clinical psychologist at the university of Botswana. The motive of the career-counselling training session was to equip the BSN members with basic skills and knowledge on career guidance and counselling, at the end of the training those who attended where

certified to offer assistance in the field of career counselling. Therefore with this qualification BSN will be able to reach out to remote areas of this country and drive mandate. Botswana student network’s mandate is to offer career guidance and empower fellow Botswana students who have just completed form 5, the form 4 and not forgetting those in junior level as well as varsity students. As a way forward for the BSN team the training session was very important. During the two days, a handful was shared and the team which attended got to have a

clear picture of what is required from them as career counsellors. The timing for the training was impeccable, for BSN was attending the tertiary career fair and therefore the skills acquired where essential and were well utilised in the Tertiary Education Fair. BSN members are now set to be hands-on with the skills they have attained, and to have an impact on the youth and students of Botswana, to break the ice of confusion on career choice.

Career Guidance And Counselling Training

your time properly. A tip of advice: search for time management advisory blogs, motivational notes and books on how to properly manage your time and on how to yield good results from your time-investment.

Have order and be precise about what you aspire to accomplish in each area of your life. Set your resolution list to have a specific chronology. Subdivide it accordingly into quarters, months or weeks; whichever suits you and set a deadline to work on for each goal. Furthermore set your goals/ aims in a suitable sequence and priority which will add a sense of order to the list, and take action upon them according to the set priority. List out all the ideas that will help you achieve your goals, and implement them on a daily basis. It will not be easy to maintain the same momentum every day thus you need to be extremely motivated to progress. You can have your loved ones or friends and family motivate you. You can read motivational books from the likes of Virginia Chepete, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, TD Jakes,

Saidi Mdala just to cite a few and follow motivational blogs, but most importantly remember that fruitful motivation begins with you. You are the best of your motivators.

In this New Year be daring, challenging, strong and fortified, and fear not to endeavour in new and fresh adventures. Allow yourself to try new things. Something most of us should try, especially the student community is to have a mentor who will see you through, teach you, motivate you

and assist you to accomplish your goals this year. You can have different mentors on every area of your life, be it academic, professional or relationship just to mention a few. Take note that when you choose a mentor, at the very least of things; he/she should be someone who inspires you, someone in whom you will benefit a great deal and should have a virtuous and suitable persona. Let this year be a blessed and blissful one as you charge it on a fresh note.

By Tumo Kedumele

By Tsabo Eunice Othusitse

Saidi Mdala looking at the future


“Marching towards the 2020 vision with a smart pocket”, this was the theme that gathered most BIUST students from all corners of the campus, even though it had been a hectic week with assignments to submit the turn up was fair.

The Youth financial literacy empowerment workshop was held on the 25th of April 2014, at Oodi College of Arts and Technology. The event was opened by the BIUST BSN President Miss Tumo Kedumele, a Telecommunications Engineering second year student in BIUST. She welcomed the audience and highlighted the importance of acquiring soft skills such as networking, leadership and public speaking whilst in varsity. These skills she mentioned will come in handy in the post varsity life. The event was also graced by the Chairperson of Botswana Student Network Mr Ishmael Chiposyo, who shared with the audience the beauty of BSN and the opportunities that come with BSN volunteerism work. The major speaker at the event was the Dean of the College of Engineering at BIUST Professor James Katende who was really impressed and appreciated the great work that BSN is doing. He said what makes BSN stand out is because it is a youth driven network. He continued to encourage the youth to work hard, to be observant wherever they are, to choose their own path and know that nothing is impossible when you are determined.

In the midst of the youth at the event, there was a young indomitable, diligent, Miss Letsema Masilonyane, who is a Bachelor of Arts Social Science graduate at the University of Botswana and a Managing Director of SHEROX. Only at the age of 23

she has managed to achieve a handful with the little that she had. She shared with the audience her ‘chocolate experience’ which was a risk she took into venturing into her chocolate production and events planning business. “I had nothing to lose but to make a few calls to hotels around Gaborone and take my chances,” said Masilonyane. And she did this the eve of Valentine to sell chocolates and roses that at the very moment she did not have.

Masilonyane encouraged the audience to always plan ahead and budget as it helps and prevents misuse of money.

Amongst the speakers was 21 year old Ofentse Matenge, Founder of Michael Kgang Consortium, ERRANDS 360 and Botho Entrepreneurship HUB and also President of the Legislation Committee of AIESEC BOTSWANA. Matenge is also an undergraduate of Computer System Engineering at Botho University. He mentioned that he has always had a business mind from a young age, which was demonstrated by selling sweets in primary school. By the time he was doing his form three, he got a job as a security guard during the night to help

through, his journey to success was “a blessing in disguise”. As a norm by all speakers he also threw in some words of advice, fortified the student to open savings accounts, spend wisely and to follow their dreams.

Professor James Katende addressing the audience

Youth Financial Literacy Empowerment Workshop

BIUST BSN President Miss Tumo Kedumele

By Tsabo Eunice Othusitse

his mother since the family was not financially stable and he was able to pass his exams even though he studied under such pressure. When he came to Gaborone his passion for business grew, with his first student allowance he bought a tuck-shop. While in the city his team entered a competition held by Global Business labs which they won. He said that all he has gone


Top Achivers scholArship

The scholarship is intended for a select number of students with outstanding academic performance to pursue careers that are of strategic importance in terms of driving the economic diversification agenda of Botswana. The fields of study for the scholarship include Finance, Business, Engineering, Medical Health, ICT and Science. This initiative is aimed at motivating young people to excel in their studies, gain recognition, learn at the best environments to realize their potential and create a pool of exceptional leaders for the country over time. The are usually two categories of selection for eligible learners:

Category A: Students who have attained 6A* or equivalent at BGCSE or IGCSE . Students who have obtained a minimum of three ‘A’s at A-Level, IB or equivalent Learners in this category will be considered for external placement for tertiary education immediately

Category B: Students who have attained at least 4A*s at BGCSE or IGCSE. They will be placed in the local institutions for A-Levels, IB or their equivalence.

Aspiring young people aiming to be considered for the Top Achievers Scholarship are requested to apply to the Botswana Education Hub outlining the following:

1. Their BGCSE/IGCSE, A-Level, IB or equivalent results supported by a statement of results.2. A copy of certified national identity card (Omang) or birth certificate where omang is not available.3. Interested area of study.

For more contact: Mrs. P. Q. Kenosi Tel: 3925127 OR 3674540

A demotivated student is in most cases considered unlikely to excel academically. At times students need to be reminded to know their responsibilities because sometimes they only understand that they have the right to education. It is in this manner, Mind Waves Holdings in conjunction with Botswana Student Network hosted motivational talks

with form three students in Selolwe Community Junior Secondary School in Francistown. When addressing the form three students Mr Cedric Mpedi of Mind Waves Holdings encouraged students to embrace the privilege to education. He further urged students to have good attitude towards their education as it can dictate their future.

“As a student you should have a plan, know what you want to achieve in life, have a good attitude to whatever you do and take action then you will see results,” he added.

For her part Miss Lillian Nkosazana Moremi of Botswana Student Network encouraged the form three candidates to instil in themselves discipline and have good brands of who they are.

“Teachers can give you all the best study methods but if you still lack self discipline they will not be effective for you. Everything requires hard work;

be it studying or sports,” she said.

Mrs. Gaefele from the guidance and counselling expressed gratitude at the end of the event. She said she hope lessons that the students got from the presentations will benefit them positively especially that they will be seating for their examination in October. The purpose of the motivational talks was mainly to encourage students to take their studies seriously as a way to prepare them for the JC final examination.

Lillian Moremi

Mpedi: It’s Your Time Take Responsibility


personal life experience in the journey of her business. She talked about the challenges she came across in raising her business. She also encouraged the youth to be patient in whatever they do to pursue their dreams. She also urged the participants to utilize their talents, pointing out that not everyone will be academically gifted. Mr Mpedi when giving his speech he highlighted on issues involving choosing a career, personal development, planning, having mentors, attitude and decision making.“For you to be a well-rounded youth you need to have focus, your attitude in whatever you do should really show that you are someone who needs to pursue something positive in life,” he added.The participants also had the opportunity to ask questions, network and also visit the stalls to acquire. The workshop brought about 20 institutions which included tertiary schools, Non-Governmental Organizations and government departments. These kinds of workshops are mainly focused on students who most of the time did not perform well on their academics or those who dropped out of school. It gives the youth an opportunity to come and learn from their counterparts by ensuring to

Diversifying Methods Of Building A Well-Rounded Youth

Larry Bird was once quoted: “A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” It is in this manner Botswana Student Network team decided to carry on with its legacy to try to equip young people with the life skills that will better their future in this era of high unemployment rate worldwide.The Botswana Student Network Francistown held a Life Skills and Career Guidance workshop at the Civic Centre hall in Francistown. The workshop which was held under the theme; “Diversifying methods of building a well-rounded youth” was held on the 12th April 2014. This workshop was a two part event, which involved the motivational session and exhibition from the tertiary institutions, NGOs and some government departments. Among the speakers for the day was Mr Cedric Mpedi, a Professional Programme Manager at Mind Waves Holdings, Mrs Duna, a Coordinator at TeAids Francistown, Miss Tuincy Tabushwa a renowned in Francistown from Bush’t Fashion Creators, Mr Mooketsi Tekere, a Chief Executive Officer from Ngwana Enterprises.Miss Tabushwa, during her presentation narrated a lot about her By Lillian Moremi

manage their talents or venturing into entrepreneurial industry. Some of the participants at this indicated that they need more of these events as they hardly find this kind of events. One of the participants Gontse Taziba said that the workshop encouraged her so much because he had the opportunity to come and learn about other people’s success stories.For her part Miss Pearl Tsheko, the BSN marketing manager in Francistown indicated that the event was as success however she said that the attendance of the youth was not impressive as much as they expected.“We expected over 300 youth to attend this workshop but approximately 100 youth managed to attend,” she lamented.Miss Tsheko encouraged the youth to stand and take responsibility for their future and not always wait for the government to bring opportunities to them but they should get up and find the opportunities waiting for them. She said since this was the second BSN event ever since it was established in Francistown they are hoping that on their other upcoming events youth will attend in large numbers as this events are tailor made for them.


On the 16th all roads led to the Central District where BIUST hosted a two-day “National Guidance and Counsellors Open day “ event at the University’s new campus. The event was organised for all senior secondary school Guidance and Counselling teachers. It was planned as a token of appreciation for their profession; grant them a platform to voice their concerns to the relevant authorities and to allow them to network. Botswana Student Network was thus given the opportunity to attend.

In his welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof Hilary Inyang mentioned that Guidance and Counsellors play a critical role in the early development of a student and that students deserve to be given second choices since their failure to perform may be due to unforeseen socioeconomic reasons beyond their control. He also mentioned that it is important to capitalise on advancement of technology amongst students by setting up Technology Centres for Development one of which is promised to be in BIUST Campus soon.

Honourable member of Parliament Bagalatia Arone, who was once in Guidance and Counselling profession in his early years, highlighted key messages. He mentioned that the country’s development is based on the quality of education, and that there is a need to make the students aware of the importance of their education. He also cited that Guidance and Counselling teachers are the nation’s pride and that the student community should be educated about the country’s vision and thus participate in the right

endeavours of achieving it.

He continued by saying that the community needs to realise and appreciate the challenges that bother the nation such as Satanism,

unemployment, etc, and that we should work hard as a nation to deal with them wisely. For instance, he suggested that the government should start to sponsor first degree holders to advance into Postgraduate study/ Masters Study as way of curbing the unemployment issue of degree holders

National Guidance & Counsellors’ Open Day

By Tumo Kedumele

in our country.

The Guidance and Counselling teachers were given a platform to discuss the issues that bothered them and stood in their way of progress. These issues were further addressed by the relevant dignitaries such as the Deputy Permanent Secretary of MoESD and the Regional Education Officer. They were further informed about the available and new courses offered in BIUST and were also taught about Psychometric Testing Tools to enhance their knowledge. Through this event BIUST gave full support to the Guidance and Counsellors, this appealed to them as a great blessing since the profession had been overlooked for several years in the country. Therefore the sensational, spectacular and ground breaking Science and Technology University has clearly managed to form great and lasting alliances with the most knowledgeable and largest community of workers in the country.

Botswana Student Network yielded good results from networking with the different dignitaries present and the teaching community. The platform gave us an opportunity as BSN to share our mission and vision with the teaching community, share about social and national responsibilities, the need for volunteerism, the opportunities that BSN membership offers and it gave us an opportunity to advance and form strategic partnerships with the teaching community. The event was completed with an educative and awesome tour in the Morupule Power Station.

New BIUST Campus at Palapye


Education not learnt but feltbrand yourself be a friend to yourselfknow yourselfa wise man speaks of wisdom but a fool speaks to empressDon’t try to impress when you talk rather talk to express express your deepest thoughts study a subject only you have a chance to of passingyourself

Listen more, talk lessDress your mind with wisdom The voyage of life is best not travelled UnaidedIt starts with family and friends It starts with knowing your environment It starts and end with yourself

Appreciate the person on your mirrorReflect on your past to address the future with wisdomThe past has passed and what remains of it, is experienceExperience builds you up to understand what failure really isFailure is opportunity and success to those with a clear visionI don’t fear failureI embrace failure I have made it a part of me, not my musterI rule failure and decide her resultsI know myselfI appreciate myselfAm a brand everyone is trying so hard to ownAm a leader I decide what my own fate I am triumph.

Poem By Otukile Tuckz Bernard Pilane ** Inspired By Mr Cedric Mpedi**

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BSN Newsletter 003

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