The 5th of September 2013 marked yet another glittering graduation ceremony at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
The 5th of September 2013 marked yet another glittering graduation ceremony at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
A total 730 graduates from the class of 2013 received their Degrees and Associate Degrees in various disciplines at what was the fifth graduation since Limkokwing opened its doors in Gaborone in March of 2007.
The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Hon. Shaw Kgathi graced the event as the key note speaker and guest of honour. Minister Kgathi expressed his gratitude at the excellence and aptitude displayed by graduates in finally completing their studies, “I am particularly pleased that you have acquired skills in Media, Broadcasting, Communications, Design and lnnovation.
“These are skills that are critical in the economic diversification of this country. I look forward to receiving some of you at my Ministry and in the public service very soon. Remember this country needs you and you must be willing to do your best to give back and contribute to the achievement of the long term goals of the national Vision 2016.”
Until very recently, the burden of providing tertiary education rested solely on the shoulders of Government. Minister Kgathi explained how Government resolved to create a conducive environment for the provision of tertiary training by private local, and international players. “Government set up the Tertiary Education Council as a regulatory authority and continues to sponsor accredited institutions offering programmes that are needed by the economy.”
Minister Kgathi also showed appreciation of Limkokwing University’s bold step to set up a Special Needs Unit that caters for students with special needs, saying, “As you are aware, this segment makes up a large section of our society which has limited access to basic, let alone tertiary education.”
The Special Needs Units has seen a continued increase in enrolment numbers with an expected number of 86 this year, up from the 67 recorded in the 2012/2013 academic year.
Student representatives also had an opportunity to share some of their experiences and to shower their gratitude on all those who supported them during their tenure at the institution of learning; their lecturers, parents, fellow students and the school management. The student representatives also expressed deep gratitude to Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, the president and founder of the institution.
Martin Nkwe, an established public media personality was among the graduates at the auspicious ceremony. He graduated with a BA Honours in Broadcasting and Journalism.
Giving a word of encouragement to fellow graduates, Martin said, “I see a diverse group of individuals ready to take the world by storm. I am very confident that as Limkokwing graduates we are armed with the skills and knowledge to face new challenges unique to the world.
“Limkokwing University’s vision is based on industry experience with a balance of practical blend and theory and I guess this has helped all of us here today to be ready for the business world.”
Wendy Fritz was another representative of the graduating class of 2013. The Business Management Degree holder shared some of the virtues of the Limkokwing Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme, better known as LEAP.
“Through LEAP, we learnt of the word ‘INDUSTRY’. LEAP is a program that allows industry projects to be brought onto campus and injected into the curriculum, this innovative concept encourages students to embrace entrepreneurship and look beyond finding an employer.”
For Botswana, it is proving to be an effective way to enhance the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth, as-to date there are 59 successful local companies that have been set up by Limkokwing graduates through the LEAP programme.
Other student representatives included Dennis Rafwa, a newly graduated holder of a BA (Honours) in Creative Multimedia, who originates from Zimbabwe, who shared his pleasant experiences as an international student at Limkokwing. Omphemetse Charlotte Molefi also graduated with an Associate Degree in Architecture Technology. She expounded on some of the opportunities and possibilities that open up by virtue of studying at Limkokwing University.