RETIRED PROFESSIONALS AS A CAREER RESOURCE TOOL FOR SCHOOLS IN BOTSWANA: EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION

Abstract

Career resource tools may appear expensive to schools in Botswana moving towards a knowledge-based economy. However, a partnership between retired professionals and education in career development is identified as a cost effective, innovative, and impactful strategy towards addressing this need. A synthesis of studies on retired professionals conducted and discussed in this article indicates benefits that can be attained from utilising retirees’ competencies to develop career skills of children in schools. Continuity in learning, reflection and changing one’s career life is observed through an integration of Theory of Continuity (TC), Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and the life design of the Career Construction Theory (CCT); theories which guided this research study. Sampling was from articles dated 2005 to 2019 and the search key phrase was ‘retired professionals.’ A criterion for inclusion and exclusion was developed and used for sampling purposes. The findings were varied and included evidence of engagement, helping other people, and skilled activities by retirees post retirement. More engagements and skilled activities, which are associated with retirees professional expertise or skills acquired preceding retirement are highlighted.