he World Economic Forum based in Switzerland, has recently taken concrete steps to cement a footprint in Botswana through the establishment of the Gaborone Global Shapers Hub. The Global Shapers Community is a global network of young people between the ages of 20 and 30 situated in over 170 various cities (Hubs) around the world.
Their objective is to deliver at least one socio-economic project of benefit to their countries and cities in a given twelve month period. The Hub’s are led by Curators who set the tone and drive the Hub’s overall activities.
“The establishment of the Gaborone Global Shapers Hub is very exciting for our country. It gives a great platform for young Batswana to play a meaningful role in using their energy and dynamism to contribute to the nation, over and above their day-to-day activities,” said Tapologo Motshubi, the present Managing Director of Allan Gray Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland, who serves as the Gaborone Hub’s Founding Curator.
He commenced his Curatorship in July 2012.
“So far we have embarked upon one project called Prizegiving Partnerships. Its objective is to attract private sector funding for public school prizegivings. Promoting academic incentivisation is an important goal in helping the overall performance of our schools. To this end, we are most pleased to be able to assist in any way we can. To date, we funded the prizegiving ceremony of Badale CJSS in Mathathane to the tune of approximately P45 000 in October 2012. We are actively seeking further partners for this specific programme and encourage companies wishing to contribute make contact with us through the Global Shapers website at www.globalshapers.org They can upload details of their desired contribution through the ‘Gaborone’ and ‘Apply’ tabs on the website.”
Motshubi highlighted that he has so far recruited three other Shapers for the Gaborone Hub and is actively looking for more. “If you are between the ages of 20 and 30, are passionate about helping develop our country and have a demonstrable track record of having delivered a significant project or task, I strongly encourage you to apply. We are looking for young Batswana from diverse backgrounds, from students to entrepreneurs and private/public sector employees. It would be ideal if we can get to 10 in number by the end of the year.”
Applicants can upload their CV’s to the same website described above being www.globalshapers.org under the “Gaborone” and “Apply” tabs. Motshubi pointed out that the Deputy Head of the Global Shapers Community, Yemi Babington Ashaye, would be in Botswana on the 24th of November from Switzerland to interact with the Gaborone Global Shapers team, who would also be showcased to the public as well.
“We have a number of other projects under consideration at present, including soap and paper recycling and public park rehabilitation/enhancement. The important thing to note is that we do not necessarily seek to only start new projects. Any opportunity we get to partner with public/private sector institutions in helping them to deliver important socio-economic benefits will be seized.”