09 Oct 2016

The Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya says the division of the former Ministry of Education and Skills Development into two ministries that led to the birth of basic education and tertiary education, research, science and technology ministries and the emergence of Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) is a window of hope for good things to come.

Speaking during the Tsabong Unified School prize giving ceremony on Friday (October 7), Mr Goya said dividing the ministry was long overdue modification that would enhance efficiency in the education system.

He noted that although there could be dissenting voices critising the move, it was imperative for all stakeholders to rally behind the government’s efforts in her endeavour to improve academic performance in the education system.

On ETSSP, the legislator said the project was a “catch them young initiative” launched in 2015 concentrating on early childhood academic development.

Furthermore, Mr Goya warned that availing all the necessary teaching aids, equipment and resources did not guarantee quality academic performance but astute educators did the work

“There is a need to scrutinise the performance of teachers in all levels.

For students to thrive in their studies there is a need for strong and principled school heads because I know that teachers can make learners thrive or deny them an opportunity to excel,” he said.

Mr Goya called on teachers to up their game as well as having a sense of introspection with regard to the profession as it was not an ordinary one but a complex profession that required dedication and passion.

He called on teachers to make excellence a culture of schools, noting that excellence prepared students for the work industry which was becoming more complex and demanding.

The assistant minister said awarding the education ministries a large chunk of the budget every financial year  wa a clear indication of government’s commitment in education development and that the government valued education a lot.

For his part, the school head, Mr Kooagile Gabanthone said so far the school had lost seven form 4 students due to pregnancy.

Mr Gabanthone also appealed to the assistant minister to absorb the 14 temporary teachers to increase the staff complement that was already overwhelmed.

Moreover, Mr Gabanthone said there was need to provide training to teachers currently on diploma cadre so that they progressed to the degree level so as to augment productivity.

On school performance, the school head said the unified institution had registered improvement on the part of  form 3 students performance last time out. In terms of quality pass, the numbers rose from 22 per cent to 27 per cent whereas general pass a slight alteration from 55 per cent to 59 per cent was registered.

He noted that there was  room for improvement, adding that teamwork and hard work had led to progress in the sporting cadre as more athletes made it to the national finals this year.
Awards on the day were divided into four categories being sports, sciences, humanities and practical.

The ceremony was held under the theme;  A tripartite Alliance: The Key to Academic Excellence. ENDS