GIA Education Accredited by the Government of Botswana

(IDEX Online News) - GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Education programs offered in Botswana will be accredited by the Government of Botswana, the organization announced Tuesday.

GIA’s Diamond Grading Lab classes are provided in the capital city Gaborone, and are designed to enhance the country’s goals of increasing local employment and added value services from its diamond production, GIA said in a release.

The education reimbursement initiative was determined by the Botswana Training Authority (BOTA), a regulatory body of the Government of Botswana, which coordinates and monitors the training provided by vocational training institutions. 

“This is an incredible opportunity to support GIA students in Botswana as they gain gemological knowledge that will enable them to work with diamonds mined there,” said Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO. “The Institute looks forward to continuing to serve the region by fostering skill transfer and skill development in this market to improve the lifestyles of the Botswana community.”