26 Sep 2013

Practical subjects play an important role in developing and improving practical skills among teachers and students, the acting Basic Education deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development has said.

Ms Bontle Mojaphoko was speaking at the inaugural National Practical Subjects Fair in Gaborone on  September 25. She said the fair, held under the theme: Practical subjects, the key to sustainable development towards economic diversification, had achieved a major objective of developing and promoting practical skills for students from all corners of the country.

Ms Mojaphoko said practical subjects could help spur the economic growth of the country by lowering the unemployment rate.“Initiatives such as this one can really transform our country’s economy. The Ministry of Education and Skills Development is committed to improving the educational proficiency of students who excel in practical subjects with intent to shift from a mineral based economy to a human resource based economy,” she said.

She said practical subjects allowed students to express themselves on emerging issues, economic diversification, entrepreneurship and poverty eradication. She said they could do this through artworks, crafts, cookery, dance, music, farming, business skills and all sport performance.

The practical subjects include agriculture, art, business, design and technology, home economics, music and physical education. It was the first time that all the subject had been brought together under one roof. The fair was expected to stimulate practical subjects development, encourage exchange of ideas and techniques among participants and help transfer skills and styles. ENDS