02 Jun 2019

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and BW Scholars (BWS) have introduced a programme to enhance academic research for post graduates and learning for pupils in schools.

BWS founder and director, Dr Lucy Hopkins, said its mission was to support young people from under-privileged communities to access university.

This, she said they did by recruiting, training and placing postgraduate researchers in schools including orphanages as tutors to deliver programmes of university-style tutorials to small groups of pupils.

She said BWS  in partnership with BIUST and other local stakeholders, had designed a structured outreach programme to support the university access needs of under-privileged students.

“We introduce young people to innovative research and develop core academic skills,” she said.

She said the courses support students to improve results, transition successfully to BGCSE and obtain points required to progress to university.

Dr Hopkins explained that pupils study academic subjects based on their tutor’s research and complete assignments and a final portfolio and a research project set by the tutor.

“The tutorial system places young people in direct contact with academic experts, challenging them to think critically about cutting-edge research and promoting intellectual curiosity, motivation and academic performance,” she said.

The programme helps young people develop self-awareness, confidence and self-efficacy through challenge, reflection and goal-setting,” she said. ENDS