Barclays Bank of Botswana uplifts the youth � make a difference

Staff Writer | Monday October 24, 2016 13:06

This year the Barclays Africa theme for Make a Difference is “Access to Employment.” According to the 2015 figures from Statistics Botswana, current estimates for unemployment among those 18 and above are at 20%. Barclays Bank aims to equip the youth with the necessary skill base to advance their knowledge and ultimately secure a job or start a sustainable business.

Barclays Bank of Botswana Managing Director, Reinette van der Merwe stated that, “The aim of this year’s Make A Difference campaign is to transfer our skills to the next generation with emphasis on employability, enterprise and financial skills.”

ReadytoWork is one of the various platforms Barclays Bank will use to introduce employability skills to the youth. ReadytoWork is an online, free of charge service through which the youth can learn financial, entrepreneurial, people and work skills.

Barclays Bank of Botswana Citizenship Manager, Yodit Kassaye-Molosi said; ”I urge the youth to visit the ReadytoWork website as this is a foundation to growing and advancing their work skills. ReadytoWork is ideal for everyone especially university students and new graduates. ReadytoWork will help the youth transition from the world of education to the world of work.”

Make A Difference is in alignment with the Shared Growth Strategy that the bank launched early this year. Shared Growth is a strategy that intends to empower individuals, build communities and grow wealth and economies. The strategy focuses on 3 key areas, Education and Skills Development, Financial Inclusion and Enterprise Development.

 The Make A Difference campaign is implemented across the African continent and demonstrates the strength of partnerships between the banks and communities, and the bank’s commitment to society.