25 Feb 2014

The major difference in terms of staffing, facilities and equipment between Tswana medium primary schools and English schools is the over stretched resources in the former whilst the latter have adequate resources.

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Patrick Masimolole said other major differences emanated from the fact that the English Medium schools were in towns and peri-urban areas with small class size, while Tswana schools in the same locations had high class size, such as Kgamane and Moralane primary schools, Parliament was told.

Responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Shoshong, Mr Phillip Makgalemele, he said some of the Tswana medium schools were found in the most remote areas.

Mr Masimolole told Parliament on February 24 that it would be inaccurate to say that the disparities were allowed deliberately. He noted that Tswana medium schools were funded by government with many competing services to provide to the nation at large.

The assistant minister said government had upgraded the qualification of teachers at primary school level from Primary Teacher Certificate to diploma and also has plans to construct enough teaching spaces and provide requisite equipment to enhance teaching and learning.

Mr Masimolole noted that Adopt A School was one of the initiatives through which individuals and companies are encouraged to be involved in the upgrading of these primary schools.

Secondly, he said, parents had been encouraged to participate in their children’s education through Parents Teachers Association (PTAs) while the community through the tribal structures has been requested to participate in education and take keen interest in schools.

MP Makgalemele had asked the minister to explain the major difference in terms of staffing, facilities and equipment between Tswana medium schools such as Kgamane and Moralane primary school and English Medium primary schools;

He also wanted to know why these disparities were allowed in the first instance’ and whether government has any plans for upgrading Tswana Medium schools and the advice that can be given to parents who wish to play a key role in the upgrading these primary schools. Ends