07 Apr 2013

Some teachers in greater Gaborone have benefitted from the Shuttle Time Schools badminton programme. The programme was aimed at helping teachers to develop skills, knowledge and confidence to plan and deliver safe and fun badminton lessons.

Launching the programme at Maoka Junior Secondary School over the weekend, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Mr Frasier Tlhoiwe said the trained teachers would demonstrate how this programme was going to function in countries such as Botswana.

Mr Tlhoiwe further stated that the programme would be piloted in the greater Gaborone area before being rolled out to other places, adding that some teachers from other areas of the country who heard about the programme had volunteered to start it in their areas.

He said the ministry would support the programme, adding that the education sector was happy to work with organisations that saw the learning and development of a child as a joint responsibility that they wanted to contribute to.

Mr Tlhoiwe explained that the education sector saw the development and learning of a child in a holistic manner and that this programme looked to make the process of learning enjoyable as it develops the psycho-motor, health and fitness, analytical and teamwork capabilities of the pupils.

He was also confident that school heads would also be happy to support this programme. He also commended the Botswana Badminton Association (BBA) to have decided to introduce a fun and  practical outdoor version of their sport to develop young players and popularise badminton among primary school pupils.

Maoka school head,  Mrs Tselane Temeki said sports in Botswana were not well developed adding that the launch of the badminton programme was an important initiative in the development of sport in the country.

She said the new syllabi required that every student should at least do one subject of sport during their extra curriculum activities.

BBA would send a team of six (three boys, three girls) badminton players to this year’s All Africa Under19 Championships scheduled for Algeria.

The head coach, Emmanuel Kebadireleng said in an interview that the team would leave on April 12, while the tournament kicks off on April 13 until April 21.

The boys’ team comprises, Tefo Kabomo as captain, Tumisang Olekantse and Boago Rano whilst the girls’ team includes Tessa Kabelo as vice captain, Dintle Malepa and Keorapetse Moatshe. ENDS