BIA/AAT 2008 Achievement Award Ceremony

The Botswana Institute of Accountants, in partnership with the renowned British-based accountancy institution, the Association of Accounting Technicians, last Thursday evening awarded AAT Accounting Qualification and AAT full membership certificates to deserving students at a remarkable ceremony conducted at the Gaborone International Convention Centre.

At the event, which attracted a considerable number of recipients, including jubilant parents and guardians, the BIA/AAT ceremony for the second time saw the participation of AAT President, Catherine Chamberlain, who described the awarding ceremony as a “special landmark in the AAT graduates’ careers.”

Coming all the way from Britain to officiate at the occasion, the exuberant Chamberlain said “the evening is a chance to celebrate the achievements of members who have reached special landmarks in their AAT career”. She appealed to the members to “utilize the skills they have learnt to build successful careers and achieve ambitions”.

Noting the determination of women who struggle to attain the AAT qualification under their belt, often having to work as waitresses or scrubbing floors at supermarkets to pay for school fees, Chamberlain urged the graduates to commit themselves to hard work and perseverance in order to succeed.

She urged the graduates to walk inside her shoes, pleading with the graduates to become members of the AAT saying such a move increases confidence and self-worth.

“Being able to put MAAT after my name gave me such a huge sense of achievement and increased my self-esteem. Having the designatory letters MAAT after your name is a demonstration of the quality of your training and your personal skills and knowledge. I know I have benefited from using my designatory letters and I feel proud to have achieved what I have through my AAT qualification and subsequent full membership. I would urge all of you to follow suit and take up AAT full membership,” she appealed.

A humanitarian involved with social activities at home, Chamberlain encouraged the graduates to look beyond the ledger, insisting to contribute to the community in one way or the other was essential.

“One of my goals for the year is to encourage members to think beyond the ledger and use your skills to support your local community. As AAT members you have skills that will help you build successful careers and achieve your ambitions. I urge you to look beyond the ledger and think about how you can contribute your precious skills to give something back to your community.”

“There are so many voluntary and charitable organizations out there that are crying out for help from experienced finance professionals. I want to ask you all to consider how you can use skills and experience outside the workplace,” she said, adding “it is a way of saying thank you for the opportunities that you have been given”.

AAT chief executive, Jane Scott Paul OBE, said: “Each and every one of you worked hard to achieve the AAT qualification and full membership. Today, as we celebrate, let’s remind ourselves the difficult terrain we traveled to achieve our goals. The standards you have to achieve are exactly the same whether you live in London, Seychelles or Gaborone.”

She assured the graduates that the recognition they were receiving for their achievements has been tested to the highest international standards, congratulating the graduates for “commitment, determination and substantial effort to reach this high level.”

“The qualification is not restricted to accounting but includes other general business such as information technology and communication. AAT students have been tested not just on the theory and principles of accountancy but have had to demonstrate hands-on practical skills.”

She further added, “This means they can apply their skills in a workplace setting. It is an achievement to be proud of. It is not just a piece of paper but a passport for employment. It tells the world not just what you have learnt but what you can do.”

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, among them the BIA Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Majinda, who reassured the graduates that the AAT and MAAT qualifications were a passport to green-pastures.

“With these certificates you have been initiated like individuals coming from Bogwera and Bojale initiation ceremonies. We, therefore, look forward to seeing you prosper in leaps and bounds,” he concluded.

For the first time in the annals of BIA/AAT history in Botswana, the ceremony also witnessed the youngest person to ever qualify as an AAT full member.
At 16, Nilma Bhagi obtained the AAT qualification under her belt, prompting Chamberlain to exclaim, “This is a remarkable achievement not only for her but for Botswana.”

Botswana Institute of Accountants
Plot 50676, Block B, Second Floor
Fairgrounds Office Park
Private Bag 0021,
Gaborone, Botswana
Phone: +267 397 2992
Fax: +267 397 2982
Email: bia@bia.org.bw

BIA Francistown Satellite Office
Plot 21572, 1st Floor Tswelelopele House, NDB Building
Tel: +267 2418280
Fax: +267 2418263

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