Barclays hosts learning expo
Kgomotso Molelekeng
Correspondent
| Monday April 15, 2013 00:00
The bank had 22 exhibitors from different fields that support learning, all showcasing their products and services in an attempt to increase employees' passion for self-development and national growth. Held at Barclay's headquarters in Gaborone, this year's expo, which attracted a big crowd, was different from the previous one because it was not only for bank employees but also for their families.
The exhibitors included local and regional universities, mobile and Internet providers, book retailers and bookstores.In his speech, Tumelo Mokokwe, the bank's employee-relations manager, said this year's expo had twice the number of exhibitors they had last year so as to ensure that they have a wider choice and richer experience.
'This learning expo is not just for professional programmes but early developments as well because Barclays cares not only for its employees but for those close to them like friends and family and as such we have primary and secondary schools' stalls here today,' he said.He further noted that this year's learning expo espoused all these values and lived up to the bank's purpose of helping people achieve their development goals. 'Last year we had the pioneering expo and were encouraged by the success to have a continued commitment to colleagues' development, thus a bigger and better event this year,' he said.
Tshepo Moshaga, the bank's talent development manager, told The Monitor that as a bank, Barclays has a strategic interest in having people who are proud to be working for it. 'Barclays Bank has many initiatives that are guided by the value of stewardship that is simply a passion to discover, groom young talent, empower leadership and give its people an external gift, which is a gift of education and resourceful knowledge,' he pointed out.
He continued that Barclays seeks to better its employees. 'Last year we had 14 exhibitors but this year we have 22 which was mainly done to extend our reach as we let our employees to bring their friends and family members, Barclays believes in social investments and commitment to hosting more of such events in future not just for the benefit of colleagues but their loved ones too' he said.
The next expo will be held in Francistown on May 12 where Barclays Bank employees and their family members will be catered for. This is an annual event, which is held both in Gaborone and Francistown as regional centres.