03 Dec 2019

Financial literacy modules are taught in the primary school curriculum through Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). 

Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja said concepts covered included budgeting, entrepreneurial skills and business ideas. 

She said in secondary schools, elements of financial literacy were embedded in relevant syllabi rather than being taught as a stand-alone subject. 

Ms Makwinja explained that at junior secondary level, financial literacy was covered in a business subject namely; commerce and accounting as well as in commerce and office procedures.

In senior secondary, she said financial literacy was covered in business studies and commerce while it was also integrated with other subjects such as development studies, design and technology and guidance and counselling.

“The positives which can come from teaching financial literacy to primary and secondary school students are readiness for the world of work and readiness for an entrepreneurial life to address the 21^st century global demands, preparation for self-employment, job creation, basic personal budgeting and to cultivate a saving culture in Botswana,” she said. 

She also noted that the ministry was currently undertaking a number of curriculum reforms which would see learners across all levels of education accessing entrepreneurship and financial literacy knowledge and skills either as a standalone subject or accessing it through the mandatory life skills programme.

Ms Makwinja said the programme reform was envisaged to be implemented in 2021.

The Member of Parliament for Kanye North, Mr Thapelo Letsholo had asked on the financial literacy modules taught in primary and secondary schools and the positives that could come from teaching primary pupils and secondary school students such.

He also wanted to know what currently prevented the ministry from introducing the programme and making it mandatory, and how long it would take to implement. Ends