05 Jun 2022

Teachers have been described as agents of change as all professions exists due to their input, sacrifices and dedication.

Manager of Open Schooling at Botswana Open University, Ms Baganetsi Ntsetsa Mmolawa said during Teachers Day commemoration in Moshupa that educational disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic had confirmed the crucial role of teachers in maintaining learning continuity and in sustaining the dynamics of households, families and communities.

“We have witnessed how teachers have been at the heart of educational responses, not only in ensuring that learning continued in spite of school closures, but also supporting their students’ socio-economic well-being,” she said.

Ms Mmolawa explained that the celebrations were focused on the effects that the pandemic had on teachers, as well as what had to be done to ensure that teaching personnel could meaningfully play the role expected of them.

“Teachers are expected to play a role in recovering from the pandemic and achieving the 2030 global education goal, [as the theme: A Resilient Teacher Smidst COVID-19 suggests].”

Ms Mmolawa said it was fundamental to build resilient teachers, sufficiently resourced to be able to perform exceedingly well amidst the pandemic.

“A resilient teacher shows greatest strength and is one that is able to bounce back from this time of extreme and rapid change,” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic, she said, had forced the world to shift focus to technology, hence the need for a change from classroom learning to virtual, adding that more resources were essential to achieve that.

She, therefore, urged teachers to use the available resources optimally for the benefit of pupils, whom she said were future leaders.

“The teaching fraternity is a calling, that we must always pride ourselves in,” she said.

For her part, Moshupa regional organiser of Botswana Teachers Union, Ms Christophinah Radikolana expressed the need to shift from how education was conducted due to COVID-19, noting that more resources had to be availed for that to happen.

She further thanked the country leadership and stakeholders for recognising the work done by teachers and urged them to assist in ensuring that they produced desired results.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU)’s Moshupa branch chairperson, Ms Dolly Seitei registered her concern that the education system was shifting to being digital, but nothing was being done to ensure that schools move along, especially primary ones.

She also expressed concerned about the vacant posts that had been available in the region for a long time without being filled.

Ms Seitei said some teachers had been engaged temporarily for a long time, without being permanently employed, adding that they were also paid way after the stipulated time, which made their lives difficult.

“They have responsibilities just like us and being paid late creates a lot of challenges such as being labelled bad debtors,” she said.

Absence of proper progression, she said, especially in primary schools, was also one of the major challenges that Ms Radikolana said had to be addressed.

“I however urge all teachers to keep up the good work,” she said.

A teacher at Moshupa’s Kebonyekgotla Primary School, Mr Godfrey Jeremiah, who also received the 2021 meritorious award, advised fellow teachers to work hard in everything they did, in or outside the classroom.

“The award is about exceptional performance, in and outside school, hence the need to put more effort in everything we do,” he added.

Mr Jeremiah was recognised for his contributions to the country, such as good results from his class, being one of Botswana Examination Council (BEC) markers, taking part in regional athletics as a coach and coordinator as well as being part of national events such as  Gaborone International Meet.

He said even some efforts that one might think had minimal contributions to the country like Christmas choirs also contributed to the award he received.

Mr Jeremiah further urged schools management as well as stakeholders to acknowledge teachers for their efforts in order to motivate them to improve results. ENDS