College teams up with GESA
New Era College of Arts, Science, and Technology (NEC) and Green Energy & Sustainability Association (GESA) have forged an exciting new partnership.
The relationship was officially sealed earlier this month, with the two organisations putting pen to paper to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The collaboration’s ultimate aim is to impart industry applicable knowledge and skills to NEC students, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The MoU commits to the development of research projects aimed at supporting the domestic economy in areas of renewable energy and study.
It is hoped the partnership will create renewable energy opportunities, special programmes, and projects for students and faculty members, as well as enhancing graduate employability and opportunities in the field of renewable energy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NEC, CEO Professor Amos Thapisa stressed the newly formed partnership will help the college diversify and develop unique, academic, and professional programs in sustainable energy.
He further revealed the deal includes the exchange of staff between NEC and GESA – those in the industry enrolling into New Era College to upgrade themselves, while college students venture into the industry with the assistance of GESA to gain relevant experience.
“We believe that our strategic partnership with GESA will help us manage our industrial attachment program, while at the same time our students will be linking up with GESA’s renewable energy department.”
For his part, GESA Chairperson, Obuile Morewane explained that the Association was founded by a group of Engineers with the intention of facilitating the development of renewable energy technologies in Botswana.
Expressing his excitement at the venture, Morewane said, “Academia and industry cannot exist without each other. Academic Institutions prepare students for us as the industry. Therefore they should align their curriculum with the industry’s requirements, by so doing, enhancing employability for our students.”