A presidential dinner for Junior Achievers

THATO CHWAANE
Staff Writer | Friday September 21, 2007 00:00

 

In a recent interview, the patron of JCI Alan Boshwaen said the chamber has played a role in nurturing leadership skills and encouraging young entrepreneurs in Botswana.

JCI Botswana is part of a global network of more than 300, 000 young entrepreneurs and professionals between the ages of 18 and 40. Boshwaen, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), said youth entrepreneurship and development is an important issue and will set Botswana apart from other countries due to its energy and dynamism.

He said that a member of JCI is ideally a young professional or leader of good character, a mover rather than a follower and one who is willing to give back to the community.
'JCI members are enterprising and willing to take risks while they are also advocates of free trade and a borderless world,' Boshwaen said. 'These are mostly professionals in disciplines such as ICT, accounting, engineering, education and lecturers at tertiary institutions.' Boshwaen encouraged members to think locally and act global.

'Let us apply ourselves creatively in JCI Botswana to the immediate issues of youth in our country, greater and better quality education and training opportunities, youth unemployment, citizen economic empowerment and meaningful participation at all levels in enterprise and regional integration in SADC,' he said. He encouraged many more young people to join JCI.

For a fee of P500, there will be training sessions, business meetings, a presidential induction dinner and entertainment at the JCT NATCON.

JCI Botswana has an active membership of about 100 people in Gaborone, Jwaneng and Orapa.