06 Sep 2021

A good number of teachers and support staff have been vaccinated ahead of the school’s reopening today. 

Speaking yesterday during a COVID-19 briefing, Minister of Basic Education, Mr Fedelis Molao  said the majority received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which required only one shot. 

However, he said there were still some among those who received other vaccines waiting for their second shot.

 Mr Molao said  there was a small number which had not been vaccinated due to various reasons, such as being on isolation or ill at vaccination time, shortage of vaccine in their area and religious beliefs. 

The ministry, he said, continued to engage those reluctant to be vaccinated. 

He said those left behind would be vaccinated as vaccines arrived.

Also in preparation for reopening, schools had been inspected and about 97 per cent of them were found to be COVID-19 compliant. 

Some schools were in need of minor maintenance, he said.

Minister Molao said as at August 31, 165 COVID-19 related deaths were reported in the school community comprising 136 teachers and 39 support staff. 

He urged the school community to continue following COVID-19 protocols adding that the working from home principle should be applied in order to reduce physical contact and movement on school premises.

Botswana Examinations Council‘s Ms Dorcus Morake informed the audience that examinations for completing learners had been rescheduled to make up for days lost during the school closure. 

The rescheduling was meant  to ensure learners fulfilled the required number of days before sitting for examinations, she explained.

 Director of Basic Education, Mr Ndondo Koolese said when schools closed, learners were preparing for mock examinations which would now take place upon schools reopening.

Among the challenges identified during the inspections, Mr Koolese mentioned vandalism, learners’ failure  to comply with COVID-19 protocols as well as shortage of water in some areas.

He said the ministry was  engaging other stakeholders in efforts to address the challenges. ENDS