10 Aug 2026

Decent accommodation is critical for retention of experienced personnel, improving morale and reducing unnecessary transfers caused by poor living conditions, says Acting Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa.

Mr Hunepa was speaking at the handing over of four LA 2 teachers’ houses, funded by Debswana and its business partners at a tune P2.6 million at Machana Primary School in Machana on Friday.

He said that a teacher who had decent accommodation was more settled, secure and better positioned to concentrate on teaching. He reiterated that good accommodation was essential in attracting teachers to remote schools.  He stated that teachers have been expected to serve communities where appropriate accommodation simply did not exist, ‘we cannot demand excellence from teachers while ignoring the conditions under which they live,” he said.

Teacher accommodation, he said, was not a luxury but an essential part of delivering quality education.

Machana teachers he said were initially accommodated in rudimentary structures, which were destroyed by recent rains, compelling them to seek accommodation in Sese village.

He stated that Debswana and its business partners intervened at a critical moment, noting that the monetary value of the intervention which exceeded P2.5 million was a significant investment in teachers, children and the future of Machana.

The journey from rudimentary facilities, Mr Hunyepa said, to permanent brick and mortar structures demonstrated an important principle, noting that a child’s right to education must never be determined by where that child was born or where the child lives . 

He stated that Machana might be remote, but the children of Machana have the same dreams, potential and rights as children anywhere else in Botswana.

Partnership with the private sector, he said was essential in gradually closing the gap between rural and urban education.

Mr Hunyepa indicated that the ministry continued working towards improving teacher welfare, including accommodation, working conditions, professional development, recognition and the general dignity of the teaching profession.   For his part, the General Manager of Jwaneng Mine, Mr Goitseone Gadifele stated that every teacher deserved an environment that enabled them to perform their duties with dignity, commitment and peace of mind.

 He stated that one of the challenges facing many rural schools was attracting and retaining teachers, with suitable accommodation often being an important consideration. Mr Gadifele noted that when teachers have safe, comfortable and secure homes close to where they work, they would be better positioned to focus on what mattered most, shaping young minds and preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and responsible citizens.

The houses he said represented stability, opportunity and their belief that when they invested in teachers, they ultimately invested in every learner. 

 The project he said was another demonstration of Debswana’s commitment to supporting communities within their area of influence through their socio-economic development programme strategic partnerships. ENDS