09 Jun 2019

Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Thato Kwerepe says the introduction of public pre-schools is the right step in attaining a knowledge based economy that Botswana is aiming for.

Mr Kwerepe said this during the Teachers Day celebrations for Etsha Cluster at Etsha 7 in the Okavango District recently.

He said the Ministry of Basic Education was a step ahead in helping to transform the country from a resource to a knowledge based economy. Mr Kwerepe observed that early childhood was crucial in the development of children as it helped identify their interests at grassroots level, thereby assisting teachers in guiding the pupils choose the right programmes.

He said it was important for public pre-schools to have resources needed to develop pupils.

Pre-school teachers, he said should not be too strict but allow pre-scholars to freely express their interests for the early childhood programme to be effective. Pupils’ interests, he said, must be monitored until they complete Form Five.

Mr Kwerepe said government would continue to address challenges facing teachers and schools in order to ensure academic results improve.

On other issues, Mr Kwerepe said a bill that called for regulation of the teaching fraternity would be presented before the next Parliament sitting.

The bill, he said, suggested that teachers be regulated as a profession like lawyers and nurses to ensure relevant personnel were in the profession.

The guest speaker and businessman, Mr Goabaone Moeti said in the past, the teaching profession was driven by love and sacrifice, but this had changed. Mr Moeti encouraged teachers to seek God’s guidance when delivering their duties.

He also noted that teachers’ welfare was crucial for improved academic results. ENDS