17 Jun 2025

Botswana is emerging as one of the few African nations making progress in children’s education, thanks to the upheld right to free basic education for the first 12 years of a child’s life. 

This was highlighted during the commemoration of African Child Day held at Polokwe on Monday.

Motsogapele College Director, Mr Judah Lekgowe, emphasised the country’s advancements during the event, which marked the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto youth uprising against apartheid injustice in South Africa. 

Addressing parents, children, and government officials, Mr Lekgowe reflected on this year’s theme: Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights, Progress Since 2010. He acknowledged government efforts concerning child care, but stressed that the responsibility should not rest solely on the state.

“It starts from the family level. Parents must plan and budget for their children’s education,” he stated. 

Mr Lekgowe also highlighted the importance of child participation in planning and budgeting processes, advocating for platforms such as quizzes, debates and essay competitions to give children a voice on issues affecting their education.

He called upon stakeholders to advocate for disadvantaged children, particularly those in remote areas and children with disabilities. 

He urged the social and welfare departments, guidance counsellors and educators to prioritise the children’s best interests, noting that data from assessments was crucial for effective government planning.

The educator expressed pride in the progress made since 2010, citing reductions in poverty levels and early childhood mortality rates. 

He also touched on the government’s efforts to promote early childhood education, urging further expansion to include children from less privileged backgrounds.

While acknowledging that approximately 22 per cent of the national budget was allocated to child education, Mr Lekgowe questioned whether this was sufficient. 

As a teacher, he observed that the current student-to-teacher ratio of 38:1 was not conducive to quality learning and suggested aiming for a ratio closer to 10:1.

He urged parents to take an active role in budgeting for their children’s education, whether through direct investments like tutoring or by providing educational materials such as books to address shortages in government schools.

“Parents must do their part to ensure every child receives a quality education,” he concluded. ENDS