19 Jun 2016

The government  recognises the value of education in the national development agenda and in positioning the country favourably in the increasingly competitive global economy says Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia.

 Mr Ralotsia said during the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MOESD) South region excellence awards ceremony held at Moshupa Senior Secondary School on June 17 that government stance is a result of volatile commodity markets.

“The uncertainties in the commodity markets require us to place more value in the education sector so as to transform Botswana from a mineral based economy to a knowledge based one,” he said.

It is for this reason, he said, that MOESD carried out a situational analysis to detect deficiencies in the education sector which has Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) whose objective is to transform the education system right from preprimary to tertiary level.

He said the theme; “Driving the nation towards sustainable development” was in line with government commitment to enhance economic sustainability through investment in human capital.

The Kanye North Member of Parliament noted that it was through planned development of the human resource that Batswana will attain the socio-economic aspirations set out in the Revised National Policy on Education (RNPE), National Development Plan, National Vision and Millennium Development Goals.

Southern regional director, Mr Acro Maseko said although there was overall poor performance in schools across the region and country, there was an array of hope as some schools such as Diabo, Dipotsana primary school scored a 100 per cent pass rate during PSLE examinations in 2015.

“If they can score 100 per cent, there is no reason we cannot emulate them 2016. We are going to raise the bar,” he said.

Mr Maseko also gave some junior schools among them Pitikwe in Lobatse and Morama in Jwaneng a pat on the back for being among top twenty schools during 2015 junior certificate examinations.

Moshupa Senior Secondary School was also commended for being among top eight schools during last year’s BGCSE examinations.

Good Hope Sub region principal education officer, Mr Topo Mmolawa said other than rewarding outstanding performance, the awards ceremony helped to promote competition among learners, teachers and non-teaching staff.

“The platform also encourages partnerships between the school, society and business community,” he said.

Moshupa North Cllr, Mr Wakgotla Tsalaile commended Moshupa Senior Secondary School for good results last year and urged them to aim for the top this time around. ENDS