16 Dec 2019

There is no direct link between adequate furniture and learning materials, including teaching aids and learner performance.

The Assistant Minister of Basic Education Ms Nnaniki Makwinja told Parliament that however, the imaginative use of teaching resources and creativity does positively impact learner performance.

She said it had also been shown that parental involvement in children’s education had a positive input to the learning outcomes of the children.

“Whilst most of our schools have functional Parents Teachers Association (PTA), my ministry encourages increased community involvement,” she said.

She cited Rachele, Segopotso, Tlhomo, Mathiba and Seepapitso schools with improved academic results as a result of functional PTAs.Ms Makwinja said the split of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development had impacted on how regions were funded explaining that the estimated budget for Kanye North secondary

schools was P38.5 million while the allocated funds amounted to P17.9 million in 2019/2020.

She acknowledged the shortage of staff accommodation in schools leading to some teachers sharing while others rented in the village.

She, however, noted that staff welfare issues were a priority to her ministry and therefore had engaged Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) with a view to construct additional staff houses in Kanye.

She also said due to financial constraints school libraries were not fully equipped with books, while laboratories in many schools were used as classrooms and had damaged fittings.

She further indicated that the ministry had not been able to provide all needs for stationery, teaching aids and furniture in schools.

However, she said the Southern region had a furniture refurbishment project which recycled tables and bunk beds and supported the availability of furniture.

In addition, Ms Makwinja said Kanye North secondary schools provided security through night watchmen, saying plans were underway to outsource security services in all Kanye secondary schools.

Kanye North MP, Mr Thapelo Letsholo had asked minister to state the impact of a number of factors on educational results or performance of primary, junior and senior secondary schools in the Kanye North constituency. Such factors included pupil/teacher ratio, staff accommodation, the state of infrastructure, availability of stationery, security and community involvement in education.

He also wanted to know the budget needed for education in Kanye North schools and the amount allocated over the last five years. ENDS