Life Long Learning and Skills Development: An Investment in Botswana Human Capital for the Development of the Emerging Knowledge Economy

Abstract

This paper focuses on The Botswana Technical Education Program (BTEP) which emanated from the need to provide flexible, relevant, technical education and training for the youth in Botswana. The discussion focuses on a case study of the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Department’s initiative to offer selected modules through Open and Distance Learning (ODL). It discusses the BTEP model because of its policies which provide for lifelong learning, flexible delivery as well as a robust quality assurance system. // In the discussion on the background of BTEP reference is made to the national policies that initiated its development and an overview of the architecture of the programmed is briefly outlined. The main discussion highlights issues emanating from the planning, developing and implementing of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy modules through ODL. The intention is to stimulate interest in ODL in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and provide a benchmark for use in the development and delivery of ODL TVET programmers.