25 Malawians get Botswana full scholarships

Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology Chikumbutso Hiwa has said the government of Botswana has awarded 25 scholarships to Malawian students to study mining, tourism and hospitality management and meat inspection in Botswana.

The scholarships come at a time when Malawi is in the process of developing its mining industry and government has bemoaned the lack  of expertise in minerals management and mining contracts negotiation.

In an interview last week, Hiwa said the scholarships are a fulfillment of the pledge made by Botswana during President Joyce Banda’s visit earlier this year.

“Twenty students have since left for Botswana to begin their studies and the remaining five are to begin their studies in wildlife management in January 2014. These are full scholarships covering accommodation, a monthly stipend as well as a return air ticket to Botswana,” said Hiwa.

He said the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in conjunction with the Department of Human Resource Management and Development as well as Public Service Commission conducted interviews to identify suitable candidates.

“Names of these candidates were then submitted to the government of Botswana for final selection.

“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is therefore pleased that the government of Botswana has provided these training opportunities in vital areas of development, as Malawi is now exploring a future in mining as well as making tourism a viable enterprise,” he said.

He said the ministry appreciates the initiative, saying the demand for tietary education is still high in the country.

“This initiative complements the work that the ministry is currently doing to improve equitable access to higher education,” said Hiwa.