06 Jul 2014

The status and functionality of computer laboratories and libraries in schools is of great concern, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development Mr Keletso Rakhudu has said.


Responding to a question in Parliament, Mr Rakhudu told members that only 62 of the 239 secondary schools have functioning computer laboratories after they were upgraded.


He said the remaining 177 schools still need attention as some of the computers are obsolete and ought to be replaced.
 “All the secondary schools have libraries but they all need attention to restore them to full functionality,”he said.


While primary schools do not have computer laboratories and libraries, he said there are measures in place to enable learners to access Information and Communication Technology, (ICT) and library services.


As an interim measure, he said primary schools that are connected with electricity are being provided with refurbished computers, while others have received new computers as donations through the Adopt – a – School Progamme.
He said a total of 480 primary schools received refurbished computers and 241 schools have received new computers through donations.


He said he was aware that it is not enough adding that government will continue to make deliberate efforts to ensure that the use of ICT is promoted at the basic education level.
 He told the House that government is currently securing funds to equip 114 primary schools with cabling, Wi – Fi and mobile devices.


Mr Rakhudu however clarified that there are no plans to build computer laboratories in primary schools as priority is to build teachers’ houses, ablution blocks and extra classrooms.
 He said at secondary schools, the priority is to replace obsolete computers as well as improving connectivity.


On Library services, Mr Rakhudu said although secondary schools have libraries, there is still need to improve stock levels for books, security and Internet connectivity.


Mr Rakhudu told the House that 84 secondary school libraries have Internet access.
 “Individual schools are currently allocated funds for procurement of library books,” he said.
 He said most primary schools do not have libraries, adding that schools that have extra classrooms may be used as libraries.
He said schools that do not have spare classrooms are provided with a library box for learners to access reading materials.


Furthermore, Mr Rakhudu said  seven primary schools in Tonota North constituency have received computers.
Mr Rakhudu was responding to a question from Tonota North Member of Parliament Mr Fidelis Molao.


MP Molao had asked the minister to state creative measures in place to address the shortage of libraries and computer laboratories in both secondary and primary schools across the country.
 He also wanted the minister to state the progress made on the programme in the Tonota North constituency. ENDS