02 Oct 2014

Some pockets of eligible children still remain outside the education system, according to the executive director of Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL), Dr Daniel Tau.

Speaking during the commemoration of the International Literacy Day in Mochudi on September 27, Dr Tau said government was working with UNICEF for the development of the Out of School Education for Children programme to close the existing gap.

He further remarked that related field tests were ongoing and the programme’s development phase was expected to be completed by April 2015. “As a middle income country and one that values education and views it as a key to unlocking life chances, we cannot afford to have children outside the education system,” he added.

He said all stakeholders had a role towards complementing efforts geared at ensuring full participation in education by all children irrespective of their personal circumstances.

Despite those left out of the system, the BOCODOL executive director noted that the country had literacy rate that was reasonably high measured at 84 per cent in 2009.

He said given the literacy rate, Batswana should be able to live creatively in their environment and contribute meaningfully in socio-economic developments.

Dr Tau added that literacy was the foundation for sustainable community and could be a major tool for eradicating poverty, expanding employment opportunities, advancing gender equality, improving family health, protecting the environment and promoting democratic participation.

“Research shows that nations with high illiterate rates and unskilled workforce have fewer development options,” he added.

The BOCODOL executive director said as of March 2014 the enrolment learners on adult basic education programme stood at 12 608 and only 454 leaners’ were from Kgatleng region.

With respect to the skills development and training programme, 3 137 individuals had training in diverse trade by the end of August this year.

Further, he said for the same period, 199 income generating projects were operational in different parts of the country, providing self-employment to 787 leaners.

“The latter is a clear indication of how the literacy programme can contribute to the emancipation of our disadvantaged citizens and accord them a dignified space in the economy of our Republic,” he added.

For his part, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Kgatleng regional director, Sir Wonder Masebola said the out of school training has grown over the years.

Mr Masebola said apart from the out of school education, they had introduced skills development training programmes such as bakery and computers among others to address socio-economic needs of learners.

However, he said the out of school training is not without challenges as some leaners were unable to attend sessions due to social issues.

The International Literacy Day is international commemorated on September  8 but was commemorated on September 28 in Botswana, under the theme ‘Literacy and sustainable development’. Ends