Celebrating the Completion of the Tshipidi Internship Program: Empowering the Next Generation of ICT Professionals

I recently had the awesome opportunity to attend the completion ceremony for the Tshipidi Graduate Program for the cohort 2024. This event was inspiring, given the pressing issue of unemployment facing young graduates today. This year, 20 young ICT graduates celebrated a successful internship program, marking the third graduating class since the program's inception in 2018.

The Tshipidi program, named from the Setswana phrase “ntonto tshipidi,” which is?used to encourage and patiently train toddlers, is a comprehensive 12-month initiative offered by Software Applications and Information Solutions aka SAIS Digital SAIS , a provider of ICT consulting and implementation services in Botswana. The program specifically targets fresh ICT graduates, providing them with essential training to enhance their employability, and has trained 102 young bright minds to date.

This program combines both soft skills and technical skills training. It starts with soft skills training, equipping the graduates with the interpersonal skills necessary for the workplace. This is followed by technical training which involves vital applications such as Oracle and Microsoft, allowing participants to identify and focus on their desired specialization areas, including data analytics, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and ERP implementation.

One of the program's standout features is the practical experience it offers. Participants work alongside experienced consultants on live projects, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This hands-on experience is invaluable, providing graduates with the confidence and skills needed to succeed in their careers.

The Tshipidi program was initiated in response to the growing unemployment among ICT graduates and the skills gap identified post-graduation. It aligns with Botswana’s national development goal of creating an educated nation, while also advocating for the fundamental right to work for all individuals.

The completion ceremony was a celebration of hard work, resilience, and hope for the future. The graduates left the program better equipped to navigate the job market and empowered to contribute to Botswana's economy and society. The Tshipidi Internship Program stands as a vital initiative in addressing youth unemployment and ensuring that the next generation of ICT professionals is ready to meet the challenges of an evolving workforce.

The event was attended by guests from organizations from various sectors of the industry, including the guest speaker, Dr. Fernando Siamisang from the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) who addressed the graduates and provided them with crucial advice for their transition into the workforce. He emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving job market. Dr. Siamisang encouraged the graduates to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, and urged them to expand their ambitions beyond just being employees but envisioning roles as business owners, researchers, or consultants, and highlighted the opportunity for them to lead innovation in Botswana. He warned against over-specialization, advocated for multi-skilling and collaboration, and highlighted the numerous learning platforms available for ongoing education. ?He also stressed the importance of developing local solutions and encouraged graduates to harness Botswana's resources and talent to address unemployment.

In addressing the program leaders, Dr Siamisang discussed the value of exchange programs for global exposure and acknowledged the skills gap, reassuring graduates that technological advancements could help close this divide. Dr. Siamisang concluded by stressing the importance of creativity in developing homegrown solutions and the collective effort needed to achieve Vision 2036, reminding graduates of their role in shaping the nation’s future.

The soft skills component of the program was provided by Mrs. Chedza Balopi , the Managing Director of On Trend HR Solutions . ?Ms Balopi had the opportunity to address the graduates where she shared invaluable insights on the importance of soft skills in the workplace and the transformative power of belief. She reminded them of the power of belief with the quote from Ophrah “ you become what you believe”.

In a momentous address to the graduating class, Mr. Bhaskar Nalamalapu , the CEO of SAiS Digital, shared exciting news and insights that underscored the significance of this milestone for both the graduates and the organization. His fervor for the “ right to work” resonated through in his speech as he announced that all 20 graduates would be absorbed into his organization as full-time junior consultants—a groundbreaking achievement since the program's inception. This decision marks a major milestone, showcasing the commitment of SAIS to investing in young talent.

He emphasized that these roles represent more than just employment; they signify a chance for graduates to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the company. “It’s your turn to thrive, succeed, and achieve,” he stated, highlighting the transformative potential of this opportunity. He also shared their BHAG to train 500 graduates in the next two years. He passionately spoke about the importance of exporting skills and human capital, asserting that Botswana’s youth are ready to shine brighter than the country’s diamonds. This belief in the potential of young professionals reflects a commitment to fostering local talent and contributing to the broader economy.

I cannot conclude this article without sharing insights from a heartfelt speech by one of the alumnae of the program, Ms Ntebogang W Kgalemang , class of 2018, who shared her journey and the transformative benefits she gained from the program. She is currently working as a Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Specialist at Deloitte, shared. She highlighted skill development, career progression, and confidence boost as the key takeaways from her time in the program. She described the program as a gateway to numerous opportunities, opening doors that have propelled her career forward, and reminded the graduates of the potential that lies ahead.

At the end of the certificate awards process, The top 5 achievers from the program were also celebrated and given additional awards. These are #BethelSeipone-Churchill and Ludo July drawn to BI and Data Analytics; #Albert-Kealotswe focusing on Database Management; @Kaone Phiri aspiring IT Infrastructure specialist and @Obone Galekhutle who chose ERP Tech. ?It was heartwarming especially for me to have a female in the top 5. It would be even more heartening to see other ICT service providers following suit. It's time to invest in our local talent. We cannot depend on only government to carry this responsibility.

Disclaimer: This article is written in my capacity and does not represent my organization or any of the organizations mentioned.