By Neo Kolane
Bohlale Educational Programme is hosting a three-day travel tourism hospitality and aviation expo.
The exhibition started yesterday and ends tomorrow at Moshoeshoe I International Airport.
Bohlale Educational Programme is a newly-introduced educational support programme for high school students
Rethabile Marake, who is spearheading the programme, told theReporter that they have also organised an expo for students as part of the event.
The organisers have opened doors for the public tomorrow.
Marake revealed that they are exhibiting 16 fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters and tourism services, so the students can see planes at close range, sit in the cockpit, and brush shoulders with the pilots.
He said the students will get information on different careers in tourism such as hotels, culinary schools, and aviation schools.
“We are just bringing information to the children while also helping high school students make informed decisions on what and where to study at tertiary level.
“Tertiary institutions like Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Lerotholi Polytechnic are expected to be a part of the expo because they teach tourism,” Marake noted.
September has been set aside as World Tourism Month.
Morake noted that he had observed that career guidance is lacking in the country’s education system.
There is a dearth of career guidance programmes in high school, so Bohlale Educational Programme is trying to plug that gap since the bigger plan is promoting exposure. This way students do not miss out on opportunities due to lack of information, he added.
Marake expressed confidence that the expo will help provide much-needed exposure to the students. As of Monday this week, it was sitting event.
“We are working with the ministry of education and the National Curriculum Development Centre to explore ways of including tourism in the school curriculum.”
He disclosed that one of the guests of honour is the commander of Lesotho Defence Force, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, who is an aviator; the wings on his chest are a testimony.
“Lt-Gen Letsoela will share with the students his journey into the army and aviation,” Marake said.
The ministries of tourism, education and transport would be part of the expo.
The Culinary Institute of Arts will also take part, with its chefs and student chefs making demonstrations on what it means to be a chef, Marake said.
A host of other service providers such as Matekane Group of Companies, Mohahlaula Airline and Lesotho-Durham Link will be exhibiting their services and different opportunities. Others are Ribaneng Lodge, Avani Hotels and Afriski Mountain Resort Mountain Resort.
“More presentations will be made by industry champions like tour companies, hotels and chefs.
“Flight tickets cost M200 for children and M250 for adults for tomorrow, while for Thursday and Friday and students’ flight ticket will cost M150,” Marake said.
