01 Aug 2022

China has always regarded education as one of the priority areas for bilateral cooperation with other countries, including Botswana.

It is against this backdrop that to date the Chinese government has built schools in Serowe, Maun and Mmopane with the another currently under construction in Kazungula.

Speaking during his visit to Mmopane Primary School on recently, Chinese Ambassador Mr Wang Xuefeng said Botswana and China have had diplomatic relationships for 47 years with tangible results that everyone could see especially in the areas of education.

“Both Botswana and China attach great importance in education. In Chinese culture, education is a noble thing that can make one’s life more meaningful,” he said.

The Ambassador further noted that the Chinese government last year set up an annual Chinese Ambassador Scholarships to award to top learners.

“In addition, there are various skill training as well as international student programmes and people to people exchanges to support Batswana of different ages,” he said.Mr Wang promised that his government would continue to enhance cooperation in education between the two countries.

He said the two countries have had extensive exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

“China and Botswana have been good brothers for several decades and the friendship between our two nations has been passed down from generation to generation,” he said.

He appealed to the learners to continue working hard and to also nourish the relationship between Gaborone and Beijing.

This was Ambassador Wang’s first visit to the school following its opening and he promised that his embassy would continue to offer support.  

The embassy also donated sports and academic equipment to the school.

Mmopane Primary School started operating last year after it admitted its first pupils for Standard 1 to 5.

The school head Ms Goitsewemang Marata said the first intake was 640 pupils, adding already there was pressure as the school had a capacity for 660 learners.

This year, the learner population increased to 776 and there is a possibility of further increase next year when the school registers its first Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) candidates.

Ms Marata said given the challenges, they might be forced to introduce double shift to accommodate additional pupils.

She said they managed to overcome some obstacles such as a zero balance in the books of the Parents Teacher’s Association.

The school head said her school would be one of the best in the country judging by the performance of the current Standard 6 pupils. ENDS