04 Apr 2017

The general challenges faced by the Ministry of Basic Education with the introduction of reception classes in Boteti East primary schools include provision of furniture, learning materials, outdoor facilities, suitable toilets and qualified staff.

Answering a question in Parliament on Monday, Minister of Basic Education, Dr Unity Dow said available suitable teaching space  was also a prerequisite for the start-up of a new reception class.

She said it should be noted that there was a unique challenge at Khwee primary where some parents appeared unwilling to enroll their children for reception classes, the reasons for which were still being investigated.

Dr Dow said Mmea had enrolled 38, Khwee 26, Mmatshumo 41, Mokubilo 33 and Mosu 61students for reception classes, adding that all school with reception classes had trained teachers.

She said Mmatshumo and Mokubilo primary schools had challenges of appropriate furniture and materials.

“Mmea primary school has a challenge of materials. The other two schools, Khwee and Mosu are not experiencing such challenges,” she said.

Dr Dow said with regard to furniture and materials designed for these classes, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development had indicated that they were aware of the situation and had funds to furnish and supply materials to these schools.

“They however, indicate that the process to procure the requisite equipment and materials has been stalled by litigation.

Provision will be done as soon as the case is concluded,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked the minister to state challenges facing the introduction of reception classes in Boteti East constituency primary schools, which primary schools started the programme and the status of student enrolment.

He also asked which schools had challenges of trained teachers, furniture and materials designed for these students and when the ministry would address these challenges. ENDS