On Friday 26 July the Gaborone Hub of the Global Shapers Community held their Official Launch, hosted by the Lansmore Hotel at Masa Square. The Hub is the first in Botswana and as a flagship Hub anticipates inspiring the development of other hubs in the country.
The Global Shapers Community is a global network of local communities, under the auspices of the World Economic Forum, based in the world’s major cities. These communities (called Hubs) are composed of young people between 20 and 30 years of age who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. Global Shapers collaborate and undertake activities that generate a positive impact and improve the state of their communities.
Speakers at the Launch were Tapologo Motshubi (Founding Curator of the Gaborone Hub). Letsogile Batsetswe (Botswana National Productivity Centre) and Aditya Ram (Botho University).The event was also attended by representatives from The Office of the President and the Masire Foundation among others.
“A Shaper is a highly motivated individual who has great potential for future leadership roles in society. It is someone selected on the basis of their achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to make a difference,” said Motshubi.
“The Youth, despite their importance to the future, can sometimes be seen as being apathetic and not particularly engaged with important issues facing our country. The Global Shapers Community gives them a tremendous opportunity to showcase their special talents and abilities for the betterment of our society,” he added.
In 2011, Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC) had intended to start something similar to Global Shapers in Gaborone having met a few Shapers at the World Economic Forum on Africa.
“So when our director came back from the Forum in Cape Town this year and said he had met one such Shaper, we were ecstatic and very relieved. We really look forward to working with you going forward beyond this launch. I too am still a youth!” said Batsetswe.
Current partners and sponsors of the Gaborone Hub are Botswana National Productivity Centre, Botho University, Sunday Standard and Yarona FM.
The principal aim of the Global Shapers is to generate a positive impact and offer young role models for youth to aspire to emulate. These Shapers are young people that operate in different industries within Gaborone- spanning Law, Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Art.
And now there is one such hub in Gaborone. If you are interested in being a Shaper, visit www.globalshapers.org and go to the apply tab. If you are interested in partnering with the Shaper community, kindly send your details to [email protected] for further information.
