23 Nov 2020

Japanese Embassy has donated a guidance and counselling block to Baratani Junior Secondary School in Otse. 

The facility, which was constructed through the Japanese Grass Roots Grants Projects, was handed over on Thursday.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Basic Education, Mr Fedelis Molao, expressed appreciation to Japan for its support, particularly on matters relating to education.

He said, through the Japanese Grass Roots Grants Projects, the ministry had benefited special education unit, 10 pre-primary units, additional classrooms and guidance and counselling facilities, among others.

Mr Molao said beyond such contributions, Japanese government provided technical assistance during establishment of the Botswana Educational Television.

He said Botswana Educational Television programming had played a crucial role in continuation of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Minister Molao further said Japan had assisted with ICT gadgets for schools and digital content.

As for the Baratani JSS project, he said the facility came at a time of COVID-19 when the demand for guidance and counseling as well as psycho-social support had increased.

He assured the embassy that the facility would be optimally utilised, adding that Baratani JSS teachers will also benefit from the additional office space provided by the block.

Japan Ambassador to Botswana, Takeda Kozo said the Baratani JSS project was the 54th project out of the 59 that the embassy has approved in the country since 1997.

 He said Baratani JSS received P496 838 as a grant for the construction of the Guidance and Counselling block and the two institutions signed a grant contract in October 2018.

“Let me express my profound respect for the strong commitment and rigorous efforts of the government of Botswana for ensuring access to education for all,” he said.

He said despite the achievements, secondary school learners were faced with challenges such as dropouts, pregnancy, poor performance and bullying among others. 

He said in order for students to overcome such, they needed to be equipped with skills and confidence to achieve their goals, hence the facility will provide an opportunity for that.

Baratani JSS school head, Ms Thateng Majwabe, said the school has about 340 pupils, and faced problems such as poor parenting and dealing with students’ special needs among others. 

She said this has contributed to issues such as absenteeism which affect teaching and learning among others. Ends