24 Sep 2017

Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya says the ministry expects all primary schools in the country to have pre-primary school classes by 2020.

Briefing Central District Council councillors about reforms in the education sector that sought to transform Botswana from a resource based economy to a knowledge based economy recently, Mr Goya said that it was paramount that primary schools had pre-school classes that would initiate children into the school environment.

He said in an endeavour to migrate from teaching pupils to pass examinations, the ETSSP put emphasis on encouraging more learning by pupils as opposed to more teaching.

He said more interest and emphasis was on the output as compared to the input.

However, the assistant minister said teachers should ensure an effective learning environment for learners to prosper.

Mr Goya also informed councillors of multiple pathways that pupils would be at liberty to take upon graduation from junior certificate.

He said students would be allowed to elect to pursue a technical route, professional route or the academic route.

The assistant minister said in an endeavour to attain a knowledge based economy, the ministry had identified some strategic priorities to be addressed specifically by a set of programmes such as early childhood and pre-primary education, primary education and teacher education and professional development.

In addition to Mr Goya’s briefing, education reforms coordinator, Mr Shadrack Majwabe revealed that 380 teachers were at training for their diploma and degree in early childhood and pre-primary education to help steer the education sector transformation ship.

He said despite some primary schools being under resourced, early childhood and pre-primary education was important to implement the process.

He argued that quality education should start at kindergarten.

Councillor Mothusi Sedimo concurred and argued that the CDC should deal decisively with the tender for procurement of pre-primary school supplies which reportedly has been stalling at the CDC headquarters for many years. 

That is despite the fact that some schools in the district had started pre-school classes in their schools.

Some councillors expressed concern pertaining to implementation of some aspects of ETSSP, especially on resources and trained personnel.

Councillor Mogakolodi Bagwasi warned of reports that at some villages pre-school classes were earmarked to operate outside primary schools.

Welcoming Mr Goya and his entourage, deputy council chairperson, Mr Ketshwereng Galeragwe said their recent visit to China wa for a twinning and benchmarking exercise.

He said the vice mayor of Jiujiang municipal has advised them to make a proposal of the projects they intend to undertake.

He also said the vice mayor had promised to visit CDC for a tour next year. ENDS