On the 1^st of November 2021, the CTO facilitated the virtual soft launch of its newly implemented Online Learning Resource Centre (OLRC). The facility has allowed for learning content on soft skills and technical to be added online for members to consume at their own pace from multiple destinations. The OLRC will continue to expand with more technical content been added from time to time. The principal aim is to provide learning programmes to CTO members at competitive prices.

Attended by members of the PDT, the soft launch featured an address by the Chair of PDT Management Committee Mr Peter Tladinyane, Director, Human Resources, Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). In his address, Mr. Tladinyane noted that online learning is the way forward for training and welcomed the initiative, asking PDT members to take full advantage of the facility during the initial trial period.

The CTO in response to the rapid integration of digital services, has adopted a blended and impactful approach to capacity building. There is a need to provide extensive training, upskilling, and reskilling to enable CTO members to fully participate and benefit from the digital revolution. As a result,  two levels of capacity building have been introduced:

• Role Based training is customised, and tailor-made to suit specific roles and functions. After the facilitator-led courses, participants will be able to apply their learnings through role-play in different scenarios that reflect local circumstances. Role based training can be offered online or face-to-face.

• Technology Application training programmes entail the identification of a challenge, the selection of an ICT solution and the formulation of a project that uses the ICT solution to overcome the challenge. One or more training courses will be developed that will enable trainees to implement the project, monitor and adjust the project’s elements for optimum impact. These programmes require the engagement of many stakeholders – the requesting agency, the technology solution provider, the ICT service provider, and other enabling stakeholders which may include international development agencies.

The CTO looks to develop the OLRC with member feedback to ensure that the facility meets the needs of all members.