02 Jun 2021

Items donated to the Ministry of Basic Education  by the Chinese embassy on Monday are essential in enabling the ministry to continue delivering education during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Minister Fidelis Molao.

Receiving 50 radio/CD players, five computers, 10 000 face masks and sanitisers from Ambassador Wang Xuefeng at his office in Gaborone, he said the donation would go a long way in mitigating  challenges brought about by COVID-19.

The radios would assist in dissemination of information and knowledge to learners in primary schools where ICT integration was still limited, he said.

Mr Molao said the use of both radio and television had been found to be a powerful way to bridge the digital divide in the education sector and reach marginalised leaners.

“Radio has emerged the most effective and cost effective educational tool because of its wide coverage, relatively low unit cost and ability to operate without the use of mains power,” he said.

He pointed out that the device became useful for the ministry during last year’s lockdown when the number and duration of programmes broadcast had to be increased.

Minister Molao said the outbreak of COVID-19 had made ICT a highly sought component by every establishment including learning institutions. 

He therefore urged teachers to embrace ICT in order to enrich learning experiences of leaners.

    Thanking the embassy for the  support, Mr Molao said it worked   closely with Botswana authorities to improve access to education.

The embassy, he said, had been providing financial and material support to China-aided schools in the country on a regular basis.

Ambassador Wang said basic education was essential because it helped future generations to gain knowledge, skills and to establish upright values.

Comparing basic education to a tall tree which got nutrients from its roots, he said it served as the root for every learner to grow up and opened many doors in future.

Mr Wang said China was committed to continue supporting government in meeting the aspiration of education for all Batswana children.

Education could significantly help Botswana achieve the Vision 2036 over-arching goal of prosperity for all, he said. ends