18 May 2022

Teachers, learners and other stakeholders have been implored to work collectively to uplift the education sector as it stimulates entrepreneurship and technological breakthroughs.

Officiating at the Hukuntsi Sub-regional Excellence Awards recently, Botswana Teachers Union (BTU) president, Mr Gotlamang Oitsile underscored the importance of education as a contributing factor to economic growth.

Mr Oitsile said the education sector suffered a blow due to the outbreak of COVID-19 that led to uncertainty and anxiety when the teaching and learning were disrupted by lockdowns, isolations and quarantines.

He however applauded teachers and pupils for their persistence in the midst of the pandemic, noting that they strived hard to acquire desired academic results.

The BTU, he said was alive to the challenges faced by the teachers across the country and mentioned that they were working cordially with government to improve their conditions of service.

Mr Oitsile said they were pinning their hopes on the envisaged resuscitation of the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC) that he said would assist in addressing many of the pending issues concerning conditions of service.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Lehutshelo school head, Mr Thabo Mosalakgoko, implored all the schools in the sub-region to strive for excellence. He applauded teachers and pupils for their efforts in their teaching and learning journeys during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For her part, Kgalagadi regional director, Ms Maipelo Kesenye said they organised awarding ceremony to recognise and motivate teachers and pupils who excelled in their academics. She said the awards would also serve as a motivational tool to those who did not get awards to put more effort in the academic work.

On other issues, she implored school heads to be cautious in their selection criteria on the drive of ‘adopt a school’.

She condemned escalating cases of undesirable behaviour by pupils through the influence of some stakeholders.

In her motivational speech, Motaung Junior Secondary School outstanding pupil, Jacqueline Tshaakane, encouraged fellow learners to obey the school rules at all times.

She also encouraged them to be positive that they too could get awards.

In his closing remarks, Kgalagadi Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) Umbrella chairperson, Mr Mabego Lesedi requested for the remuneration of PTA members.

He also encouraged parents to support the committee to enable it to perform its role diligently.

The excellence award ceremony was celebrated under the theme: Celebrating Academic Excellence during COVID-19 crisis: Recognising Teachers and Learners. Ends