We were thrilled to visit the “Bridging Literacy and Skills Development” exhibition which was held at the Nhabe Museum on July 31. The exhibition, held by the Ministry of Basic Education, showcases the beautiful craft products made by Out of School Education and Training (OSET) Learners. The project is funded by the Bridge Africa Project (BAP), sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Education, and initiated as a collaboration to strengthen partnerships between the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and the Botswana National Commission for UNESCO.

Working with OSET Learners from Kweneng West and Gantsi Regions, – two districts identified as having high illiteracy rates – the project aims to empower local communities to be self-sufficient through the acquisition of skills training and functional literacy. Participants of the program have been trained in the crafts of wood sculpture, jewelry and beadwork, paper maché, and leatherwork, as well as having received entrepreneurship and literacy training. By touring their work across Botswana through the exhibit’s Market Days, OSET participants are better able to establish markets on a local and international scale, as well as continue to be actively involved with production and skill acquisition moving forward.

By providing OSET learners with these skillsets, the “Bridging Literacy and Skills Development” project ultimately aims to foster and promote economic, social, and cultural development within marginalized groups, encouraging sustainable livelihoods and poverty eradication. The staff members from TFI were incredibly impressed by the beautiful sculptures, accessories, vases, and jewelry on display at the museum, and can’t wait to see this fantastic program continue in the future!

Article by: Madeline Messenger

Images by: Monica Przyborowski