24 Sep 2014

Efforts by Ngamiland regional director of Education, Mr Acronews Maseko to intervene in the on-going class boycott by Maun Technical College students has proved futile as they refused to go back to class.

Students had told the director on Monday, September 22 that there was no point going back to classes as the school management had failed them and lectures are not attending classes.

This follows a peaceful demonstration which started last week by students to protest against what they termed lack of recognition and consultation by management. 

Students also protested over learning environment that they claimed was not conducive, citing untidy surroundings, shortage of resources, poor food, dilapidated and poor working relationship between management and Student Representative Council (SRC).

Mr Maseko went to the college to inform students that the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills and Development is expected to address them on Thursday September 25..

He also tried to calm students and urged them to go back to classes but they refused.In an interview, Mr Maseko said students’ concerns are being handled noting that some of them had been addressed. He said computers have been installed and currently his office is attending to the issue of students allowances.

It was reported that the permanent secretary was supposed to address students  but failed because of other commitments.

Student Representative Council (SRC) leader, Mr Dick George told BOPA that they had resolved to boycott classes until their grievances were addressed. He said they made efforts to communicate their grievances with the school management and the regional director but there was no positive response.

“There is no point going back to classes because there are no learning materials and our lecturers are not coming to classes,” he added.Mr George said they would boycott classes until the permanent secretary comes and address them as they want solutions to the problems which had been pending for more than three years. ENDS