23 Sep 2020

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Basic Education, Ms Bridget John says pupils who will be in quarantine or isolation during examination period will be allowed to take their final examinations.

Speaking during the special meeting for North East school heads on September 22, Ms John said it was vital that schools develop practical ways that would help facilitate learners in sitting the examinations. 

She said a lot of awareness building was necessary to remind both the pupils and the school staff about the dangers of COVID-19 adding that contingency plans ought to be put in place for any situation that may arise.

Ms John said the rate of transmission had not been that bad because of the preparatory work done by schools. 

She said however that transmission between teachers was worrisome.

“Since transmission of the virus between the teachers is still high, teachers need to be allowed to work from home and ways of supervision should be implemented , she said.

She said Botswana Examinations Council (BEC)was working on the guidelines of how examinations would be administered and that this year the 7 000 script markers would not congregate in Gabororone as was usually the case. 

Marking according to the Permanent Secretary is going to be decentralised.

Moreover, Ms John stated that the education act would be reviewed to make adjustments on certain things like the school calendar since COVID-19 had presented some challenges to the school system.

The act, she said, would also be reviewed such that it allowed pregnant pupils to continue with their studies until the time of giving birth, adding that such pupils needed to be embraced and supported through such difficult times as the school was their second home.

She also said violence in schools was worrisome hence need to devise efficient ways of curbing such untoward behavior.

On corporal punishment, Ms John told school heads that there was need to move with the times and review whether or not to do away with practical corporate punishment at school.

She informed school heads that the board of governors would be introduced at secondary schools to enhance school governance.

She said it came to their observation as the ministry that splitting of classes was beneficial therefore they were in consultation with Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) and Ministry of Finance to source additional funds for employment of more teachers. 

She pleaded with school heads to engage with unions and see them as their partners because their mandate was on the welfare of the school staff.

Ms John encouraged them to forge partnerships with the private sector, the community and any other parastatals to help in the development of schools. Ends