06 Jun 2023

Creating an enabling environment for teachers is crucial so as to have a positive influence on the learners.

Barriers that continue to limit teachers to touch learners optimally such as shortage of teaching resources, staff accommodation and teacher, student ratios should be addressed.

Giving a keynote address at the Teachers Day celebrations themed Teach today, touch lives forever at Kazungula on Friday, retired educator cum businessman Mr Baboloki Tlale said the theme answered questions of what teachers did in the classrooms as their true essence was to touch learners’ lives from all walks of life.

“The moment a teacher walks into a classroom, their mannerisms, values, the way they look and talks influences a student as they look up to them as their role models.”

Mr Tlale highlighted that learners were influenced by the environment teachers created hence urged teachers to create a positive environment in order to produce a good learner.

He said education required interaction between teachers and students hence noted that the teacher, student ratio remained a paramount issue in many schools.

Moreover he said teachers deserved to be at the helm of socio and economic development which he stated that could be achieved if teachers were rewarded well and progressive in their careers.

He paid tribute to teacher unions for not only bargaining with employers but with service providers like insurance companies, banks, and funeral parlours to improve lives of their members.

However Mr Tlale said there was a lot that could be explored by unions in advocating for the return of schools sport because it was only through grassroots development Botswana would produce future Olympians.

A message from the Minister for State President Mr Kabo Morwaeng read that government recognised teacher’s commitment and role in nurturing and guiding children.

“We acknowledge teachers across all levels of education for instilling morals and being an inspiration to learners to help them become successful leaders of tomorrow.”

He acknowledged that there was Inadequate teaching resources in schools adding that the changing environment presented a challenge as learners behaviour was detrimental but teachers remained committed nevertheless.

The message continued to highlight that Botswana could not achieve the envisaged knowledge based economy without teachers hence promised that government shall continue to allocate resources to the education sector for equitable education.

“Government would continue to intensify the use of ICT in education in order to reaffirm our commitment to improve quality education.”

Delivering remarks for Botswana Primary Teachers Association (BOPRITA), Ms Mpho Stoff said teachers were nurturers because they discovered talents in learners and polished it.

She said the significance of teachers was immeasurable but it was through the success of their products who became gems in the world that their purpose was truly realized.

Ms Stoff said a teacher was an agent of change and a role model hence noted that it was imperative that they set a good example in the learning environment.

She applauded government for introducing ICT gadgets in schools to adding that this was in line with the Reset Agenda pillar of embracing digitalization. ENDS