When government took a decision to increase living allowance for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, the decision was not just financial relief but a transformative step toward a brighter future.

Fulfilling a commitment from his State of the Nation Address last November, President Advocate Duma Boko increased the monthly stipend from a modest P300 to a substantial P1,900 in line with other tertiary institutions.

This significant increase in the allowance provides TVET students with the resources needed to focus on their studies and participate fully in their education.

The allowance increase aims to attract more students to vocational programmes, supporting skills development that is crucial for Botswana’s workforce.

Students at Selebi Phikwe Technical College expressed their gratitude for the fulfilled promise.

Clothing and Design Technology student, Ms Nelly Odirile described the increase as a game-changer that they had long awaited. Many students, whose dedication to their studies had been overshadowed by financial burdens, felt significant relief.

She explained that the previous P300 allowance was insufficient for transport and basic needs, making it difficult for her to focus on her studies.

Now, with the government’s recent reform of financial support resulting in a P1,900 allowance, she feels a sense of relief.

Mr Deon Kabelo, who is undertaking Carpentry and Joinery, shared that the recent financial increment has led to some significant improvements. However, he expressed concern that some students had now become wasteful and spend their living allowances irresponsibly.

Additionally, he mentioned that since the increment, students were expected to be on campus from 7:30am to 4:30pm, even when there were no lessons.  He said this expectation compromised their self-study time, as they were unable to visit the community library to enhance their studies.

Mr Thato Maramane from the Student Representative Council at the technical college said there was a need to address concerns regarding financial responsibility.

He called for financial literacy programmes, stating that while students had expressed concerns about low living allowance in the past, some had not demonstrated the necessary financial acumen to manage their new funds effectively.

In Francistown, Thamani Shabani reports that TVET students in the ‘City of All Things Precious’ had also embraced the stipend increment.

“We are grateful for the boost,’’ said Mr Kutlo Medupe, a refrigeration and Air Conditioning student at Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE).

He thus extolled the government’s efforts to bring the TVET allowance into parity with that of other tertiary institutions, such as the University of Botswana.

Similarly, Mr Gaothobgwe Lobatse recalled the excitement when the P1,900 allowance was first credited in August.

“When the bank notification reported, excitement erupted. We all rushed to the bank,” Mr Lobatse said.

A three-month back pay further eased financial burdens for students.

In response, some TVET students have taken a proactive step by forming a Motshelo financial scheme to ensure financial stability.

With stronger financial security, students can now focus on their education and enhance their academic performance.

Mr Tshego Monyi, who lives off campus, often struggled to afford transport fares to attend school, sometimes for the whole week.

However, the recent increase in allowances has brought positive changes to his life.

“I have improved this semester. I feel more motivated and focused,” he said proudly.

Now, more passionate than ever about his vocational training, he emphasised the importance of vocational training.

“It is not just about learning a trade; it is about building a future. It equips us with the skills that the world demands,” he stated firmly.

His dream is to become a skilled artisan in Clothing Design and Textile (CDT), a field that not only provides employment but also contributes to the nation’s economy.

Increased support has energized students like Ms Katlego Autlule, who has also noticed substantial benefits.

She can now afford her commute and attend more lessons.

“The allowance helps me catch up and pay rent. I can even save money with my roommate. It has made a huge difference,” she shared.

The increase in living allowances not only eases students’ financial burdens but also enables them to gain critical skills that support Botswana’s economic development.

As the government points out, technical education is essential in dispelling the stigma that it is a fall back option for academically struggling students. ENDS