21 Nov 2022

Significant progress on the implementation of the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) has been made since 2015.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said all brigades and technical colleges had been registered and accredited with the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA).

He further noted that the Department of Teacher Training and Technical Education had also been accredited by BQA as an awarding body for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

“Brigades curricula is currently under review as per the BQA standards and requirement, aligning to current technologies so that it can be globally competitive.

So far 30 qualifications and 12 learning programmes have been submitted to BQA for accreditation while the remaining three are still under development,” he said.

The minister further stated that 36 Outcome Based Education TVET programmes and qualifications for technical colleges had been reviewed and developed with participation of industry leaders and further endorsed by professional bodies.

He said enrolment of brigades and certificates offering technical colleges stood at 7 142 against the capacity of 8 750.

Currently, 2 015 students are enrolled in Diploma offering technical colleges around the country against the capacity of 5 400.

Dr Letsholathebe, however, noted shortage of lecturers in brigades and technical colleges, which was also revealed by the comprehensive human resource audit undertaken and completed in August.

The audit revealed staff shortage of 389 lectures, 56 technicians and learners support such as Dean of Student Affairs and Guidance and Counselling.

“The ministry will use the report to solicit additional positions to address human resource gaps in brigades and technical colleges to ensure utlisation of resources, he said.

Francistown West Member of Parliament, Mr Ignatius Moswaane wanted an update on progress regarding the implementation of ETSSP concerning brigades and technical colleges, the number of students enrolled and what had been done to address shortage of lecturers if any. ENDS