New Era College marked a significant milestone in its 15-year journey with a grand joint graduation ceremony celebrating over 300 graduates from the Classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Held at the college campus under the theme Globally Empowered Graduates, the event underscored the institution’s commitment to providing education that meets industry and national needs in applied sciences, engineering, commerce, and vocational training.
The decision to host a combined ceremony was driven by practical considerations, including the relatively small size of individual graduating classes and logistical delays in previous years.
This inclusive event brought together students, faculty, industry leaders, and families to honor the academic achievements of the graduates.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of three valedictorians: Kamogelo Fani (Class of 2022), Mogale Master (Class of 2023), and Boiditswe Maduo (Class of 2024).
These exemplary students were each awarded a P12,000 cash prize, generously sponsored by Lucara Diamond Company.
The award marked Lucara’s second partnership with New Era College, reflecting its ongoing support for academic excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, Dennis Oalotse, Registrar and CEO of the Engineers Registration Board, inspired graduates to embrace collaboration and innovation.
“Your graduation is a testament to teamwork and resilience,” Oalotse remarked. “As you step into the professional world, harness the partnerships you’ve formed to tackle pressing global challenges like unemployment, climate change, and gender-based violence. Be catalysts for positive change and always strive for excellence.”
Focusing on Future Skills
Amos Thapisa, New Era’s CEO and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, highlighted the institution’s focus on digital transformation and vocational training.
“The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized education, ushering in technologies like Extended Reality (ER) that make learning more immersive and interactive. At New Era, we’re committed to equipping our students with 21st-century skills through collaborations, such as our partnership with the Central University of Technology in South Africa. Botswana’s future lies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and our graduates are ready to meet these demands,” Thapisa said.
Looking Ahead
As the graduates of New Era College prepare to enter various industries, the event served as a reminder of the importance of resilience, innovation, and community.
With the backing of supportive partners and forward-thinking leadership, these graduates are poised to make meaningful contributions to Botswana and beyond.
The ceremony ended with graduates tossing their caps in celebration, embodying the spirit of hope and empowerment that defined the day.
