11 Sep 2016

Botswana has been able to train 4 507 learners in different trades and indigenous knowledge areas through skills development and training programme.

This was said by the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills and Development Mr Moiseraele Goya during commemorations of the International Literacy in Kanye on Thursday (September 8), noting that a total of 585 such learners have been accredited through partnership with various institutions in the country. Such institutions include Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA), National Food Technology Research Centre and Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC).

“The outcome of such training and accreditation has led to the establishment of 385 income generating projects countrywide employing 1 162 leaners,” he said.

The Palapye legislator further noted his ministry as a principal stakeholder in the poverty eradication programme through basic education has trained 12 914 beneficiaries in basic anagement Skills under Tselakgopo Business Management Model.

Mr Goya expressed happiness that the 2014 National Literacy Survey placed the Botswana literacy rate at 90 per cent; something indicating an achievement of Education for All (EFA) goal for adult literacy.

“This is a commendable achievement in spite the many challenges we have as a country,” he said.

He also said government’s intention was to roll out Early Childhood Care and Education programme to all schools by 2020 in conjunction with private sector and non-governmental organisations.

On universal primary education, Mr Goya relayed Botswana has registered remarkable performance, with majority of children accessing primary education.

He said however there were pockets of children who still remained outside the education system especially those from marginalised communities.

“We are indeed committed to scaling-up and accelerating our response, with a special attention to these marginalised children,” he said.

South Region  education director, Mr Acro Maseko stated that few people understood literacy and defined it from a narrow perspective of just reading.

He said literacy affords learners to participate in the country’s economic activities, restored dignity as well as to make informed decisions.

Mr Maseko therefore encouraged Batswana to take advantage of an array of literacy programs and change their life for the better.

For his part, Bangwaketse Chief Representative, Kgosi Gaofenngwe Bome challenged parents to come on board and support education of their child children.

He said without parental support, teachers cannot go it alone. 

Out of School Education and Training learners exhibited products among them; leatherwork, beadwork, pottery and food processing. ENDS