GIA Fosters Career Development in Botswana with Diamond Grading Classes

CARLSBAD, Calif. – March 24, 2011 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) announced today that it will offer Diamond Grading Lab classes in Gaborone, Botswana in April and September 2011. The classes offer a practical, hands-on approach to learning, and are designed to help Botswana increase local employment and enhance career development within its diamond production industry.

The Diamond Grading Lab classes teach students to grade diamonds in the D-Z color range, including how to detect synthetics, treatments, simulants and fracture-filled diamonds. Students also learn to use the GIA International Diamond Grading System™ and the 4Cs (Color, Cut, Clarity, Carat weight).
The classes are five days in length and will be offered at the GIA Botswana campus in Gaborone. Students can choose from four sessions: April 11–15, April 18-22, Sept. 12–16 and Sept. 19–23.

“GIA is delighted to extend these career-building educational opportunities to students in Botswana. The expert, hands-on training they’ll receive is sure to open doors for them in the region’s diamond industry,” said Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO. “The Institute is committed to supporting Botswana’s goals of increasing local employment through our programs, which foster skill development and strengthen economic growth in the country.”

The Institute announced recently that GIA Education programs offered in Botswana will be accredited by the Government of Botswana. 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.  

For more information about these classes, email giaeducationafrica@gia.edu or call 27-82-260-4212 or 27-11-334-2744. The GIA International class schedule is also available online.