A young Motswana entrepreneur, Mooketsi Benedict Tekere, who is based in Francistown, has found himself a niche in the communication technology business by introducing a language laboratory in Francistown, an idea which he brought from abroad where he was studying.
The state of the art laboratory, which is located at Ngilichi House (Meriting Spar), operates under the name Ngwana Enterprises Pty Ltd.
Tekere, who is a Bachelor of Arts in English graduate from Koblenz Landau University in Germany, told the Sunday Standard in an interview that the new computer technology software, which he brought from Germany, comprises of a new innovative way that is meant to make a difference in the learning of languages in Botswana.
“The software used in this technology which is new in Botswana is called Odll (Odrell Digital Language Lab). It is an innovative and cost effective learning platform and is simple to use as your everyday Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The computer software combines pictures, video, audio, text and recording in teaching languages,” he said.
Tekere said that the computer software currently offers lessons in languages such as Portuguese, English, Chinese, Spanish, Setswana and Spanish. He also said that it offers translation of these languages to English as it is the official language in the country.
“In Universities like Koblenz Landau in Germany where I was studying for my Bachelor of Arts in English, they use the same technology and I realized that it can benefit Batswana. This computer aided learning technology is perfect for helping people learn different languages with ease at their own pace on a computer,” he said.
Tekere added that he brought the technology to Botswana early this year to try and improve on the traditional methods of teaching languages. He said that he is not ruling out the importance of a physical teacher and explained that this technology is only there to enhance the teaching of languages.
“This technology does not require any educational background as the client can learn the language through audio and visuals if they cannot read or write. The student can learn at his own pace and seek clarity where he does not understand from my lab technicians,” he said.
Tekere pointed out that children from as young as five years old can use the software as it is user friendly. He said that, although his business is still new in the market, he is continuing to spark a lot of interest from different organizations and government institutions.
“Organizations like the Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL), John Mackenzie School and other privately owned schools have shown interest in my services,” he said.
He added that he is currently planning to open another branch in Gaborone as part of his efforts to expand foot prints across the country.
“This organization is not a learning institution as such as we do not offer certificates; we merely offer these services to enhance or guide one on learning a particular language for his own benefit. My charges are very affordable and I do have a team of well trained technicians who are here to assist my clients on utilizing this service.”
