16 Feb 2017

The Japanese embassy in Botswana has handed over a classroom block constructed through the Japanese government grant scheme at Serameng Primary School in Metsemotlhabe.
The school signed a grant contract with Japan embassy last year for the construction of the classrooms worth P807 589.
Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, the Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, Mr Masahiro Onishi said the project was the 43rd among a total of 47 projects undertaken in Botswana since 1997.
The ambassador stated that he was pleased that the assistance from the Japanese government has been contributing to improve the quality of basic education.
He highlighted that before the construction of the new classrooms at Serameng some classes did not have their own rooms of learning, which saw some students studying under trees.
Nevertheless, he highlighted that the school has in the past few years achieved exceptional results in spite of the shortage of classrooms.
Mr Onishi said the performance was a result of efforts by pupils, teachers and parents.
“I am certain that this new classroom block will bring even higher motivation and academic performance of the children.”
He further stated that in order to achieve maximum benefits there is need for support from ministries, school, parents and teachers and the whole community.
The Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya said the donation was a clear testament of the strong spirit of partnership between Japan and Botswana that has stood the test of time.
He highlighted that the donation comes at a time when efforts through the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan are made to strengthen the education system at the foundation level.
Mr Goya said one of the biggest stumbling blocks to provision of quality education is lack of provision of sufficient critical inputs like classrooms.
“Inadequate teaching stations causes some of our classes to receive instruction in the open space or squeezing of many students in the existing classrooms, particularly in times of bad weather when teaching outside cannot be possible.”
The assistant minister noted that through the relentless efforts and support from partners like Japan, Botswana was moving in the right direction of achieving improved learning outcomes in schools.
Mr Goya said in spite of challenges faced by the ministry of education, teachers should promote good teaching and learning at all times. ENDS