28 Nov 2022

 The nation is counting on the education sector to rise above challenges and deliver the 21st century learner, says Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe.

He was speaking during a meet and greet session with educators and staff at Francistown Institute of Health Sciences recently.

“The education sector is results based and Batswana and I expect you to deliver. There are numerous challenges and this calls on everyone to take responsibility and put this country back on track,” he said.

The country’s executive, led by President Dr Masisi, he said had introspected a great deal and had come up with the Reset Agenda with a view to revive the economy and rekindle Botswana’s ambitions for high income status.

Dr Letsholathebe urged his ministry colleagues to have a change of mindset in order to turn the sector around.

 “For us to deliver a 21st century learner, you need a 21st century minister, 21st century teachers and heads of school,” he said.

About digitalisation, Dr Letsholathebe said it was critical because it made learning easier and could be a permanent solution to problems of text book and classroom shortages.

On other matters, he commended the district education leadership for doing a sterling job as evidenced by the excellent academic results rgistered.

North East region director for regional operations Mr Labane Mokgosi expressed happiness that most schools had been assisted with porta-cabins.

He informed the minister that school management across the region had been forthcoming in terms of pushing the ministry agenda.

Mr Mokgosi pointed out that learner population was increasing especially at secondary level which he said called for the construction of such a school. 

“The city council has noticed this and has swiftly gone ahead to construct a primary school in Gerald location in the city of Francistown,” he said.

According to the director, cyclic maintenance was another problem that needed urgent attention.

He called on the ministry to consider budgeting for temporary teachers and SHE officers as currently their engagement resulted in the quick depletion of little funding allocated for operational purposes.

Commenting, speakers decried shortage of text books and the stagnation of employees, alleging that the majority were stuck at C1 salary scale.

They were also unhappy with the current situation where teachers with portfolio were put  on the same salary scale with those without.

The matter needed to be addressed urgently, they argued.

Some suggested that teachers should draw housing allowance to address shortage of accommodation. ENDS