26 Aug 2015

Public schools in the South East District catchment area are finding it difficult to retain students. 

Student enrolment has declined across all levels, particularly in term one and two this year. 

The principal district development officer, Ms Kgomotso Kesianye told the South East District Council recently that enrolment at primary schools dropped by 2 655 pupils during both schooling terms.

Student enrolment at junior secondary schools declined by 50 students while 150 students left the district’s senior secondary schools during the same period.

“The sharp decrease in primary schools was due to transfers outside the district, particularly to Gaborone,” she said.

She added that the enrolment decline at secondary schools was also due to transfers out of the district, and in some cases, due to dropout as a result of teenage pregnancy.

For his part, South East region chief education officer, Mr Moses Tshetlhana reiterated that parents prefer to have their children study outside the district.

He said primary schools in Gaborone, except Bontleng Primary School, have had an influx of learners. He said some schools have outside classes due to shortage of classrooms caused by high enrolment numbers.           

He added that primary and secondary schools in Gaborone, which post impressive results, attract more learners. He said the bulk of students who were transferred outside the district commute daily to their respective schools. Ends