26 Aug 2018

In an effort to develop creative industries in Botswana, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology in partnership with Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) have embarked on Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) pilot project.

The pilot project commenced on March 2017 after an agreement that the project be conducted at Chobe region on the capacitation of CAPA teachers.

Speaking at the project handover to the Ministry of Basic Education in Gaborone  recently, HRDC chief executive officer, Meshack Tafa said the study aimed at determining whether the current art education was providing a solid foundation upon which vibrant creative industries could be established.

Tafa revealed that for creative industries to thrive, a vibrant visual and performing arts culture must be nurtured through practice and engagement of the community.

Arts practitioners need a room for experimentation and the ability to innovate and push the boundaries in order to be competitive, he added.

In the global workforce, Tafa said individuals with creative and critical thinking skills such as being able to be flexible and adaptable were highly desired especially in information and communication because they use technology.

He explained that arts involved creativity, diligence and patience adding that all the characteristics were needed in problem solving in everyday life.

He said one could use art to express their views, feelings and ideas, noting that showed a positive way to be creative.

Tafa expressed gratitude that the handing over of the project to the ministry was a first attempt in the improvement of teaching and learning of CAPA subject.

The chief executive officer said since the commencement of the project, a positive feedback had been noticed stating that CAPA was seen as a feeder and foundation to building a vibrant and skilled creative force.

Giving project overview of the pilot project, creative industry sector committee deputy chairperson, Neo Matome-Harun said since CAPA was only taught as theory; that was not enough as the subject was practically oriented.

Harun said CAPA was not examined making the subject not to be given enough time and effort adding that lack of suitable equipment in schools also exaggerated the problem.

The study recommends that teachers should be trained in CAPA just like in other subjects and made to specialise in the subject, she added.

Sharing pre and post training experience, a teacher at Lesoma Primary School in Chobe, Bangu Tabulawa said CAPA incorporated eight subjects which make it had to master all, the subjects in there.

Tabulawa said teachers were challenged by the skills required by the subject, which negatively impact on the performance of pupils. Ends