23 Mar 2021

 The Ministry of Basic Education has budgeted a total of P111 million for completion of the school digitisation project.

Giving an update on the ministry’s 2021/22 budget Monday, Minister Fidelis Molao said the project included procurement of computer equipment for 182 junior secondary schools, expansion of Local Area Network for 100 secondary schools and installation of Education Management Information System.

The project would ensure that all schools were equipped with the latest technology and connectivity to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, he said. 

Concerning special education facilities, the minister said the approved funds would go towards the completion of the Centre for Severe and Multiple Disability in Maun. 

“Upon completion, the facility will provide instructional space and appropriate facilities to cater for learners with profound, severe and multiple disabilities such as those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), deaf-blind and complex behavior problems with a view to improving access to education for this cohort of learners,” he said.

Mr Molao further said a total amount of P1.6 billion had been allocated for the implementation of development projects which included computerisation, consultancy and special education facilities.

With regards to the fight against coronavirus, Mr Molao said the ministry had put in place strategies to ensure that there was learning continuity despite the numerous challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The strategies included reduction of class sizes to maximum of 30 learners, revised school calendar to increase contact time and engagement of temporary teachers for additional classes, he said.

Minister  Molao said the ministry had been allocated around P11 billion 85 per cent of which was  for recurrent expenditure and 14.5 per cent for development.

He said the largest proportion of the ministry’s recurrent budget was for personnel emoluments at 79.60 per cent or approximately P7 billion while the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) allocation stood at 2.22 per cent.

The minister said the remaining budget amount was for other operational costs covering the ministry’s departments, regional offices and schools.

On another issue, Minister Molao appealed to contractors, especially citizen-owned companies, to ensure that they completed projects timeously.

 

 He said the ministry was faced with challenges of projects which were either abandoned or went beyond agreed completion dates.ENDS