BIC launches cover for learners involved in accidents

Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Wednesday February 19, 2025 11:10

The innovative policy, a culmination of a partnership between Botswana Insurance Company (BIC) and The Broadcasters Organisation (TBO), is aimed at providing financial protection for students affected by accidents. The National Students Personal Accident Cover, which applies to learners from pre-school to secondary school, including non-citizens, was unveiled by the Assistant Minister for State President, Maipelo Mophuting last week. When speaking at the launch, she emphasised the importance of ensuring that children’s education is not disrupted by unforeseen incidents. “No family should have to choose between their child’s education and the financial burden of an accident,” Mophuting said. “This initiative ensures that when accidents happen, students receive the support they need without jeopardising their future.”she highlighted.

For his part BIC’s CEO, Newton Jazire highlighted the short-term insurer’s long-standing observation of how accidents impacted families, particularly those without financial safety nets. “We have seen parents struggle with unexpected medical expenses. Some children even drop out of school because their families can no longer afford tuition after an accident. This cover is designed to prevent that,” he said. According to officials, the policy provides coverage for medical expenses and school remission, ensuring that injured students do not lose access to education due to financial constraints. Previously while government assistance was made available in some cases, many families found themselves unprepared for such emergencies and the cover aims to close that gap.

TBO, which played a central role in the partnership, underscored the importance of public awareness about student welfare. “Our role is to ensure that critical information reaches communities,” a representative from the organisation said. “Many families are not aware of the financial risks they face when a child is involved in an accident. This initiative is about preparedness, not just reaction.” School administrators present at the event welcomed the initiative, citing the financial strain accidents often place on families. “We have seen cases where parents withdraw their children from school because they can no longer afford fees after an accident,” said one school principal,” one said. “This is an important step toward ensuring continuity in education.” Mophuting acknowledged that while infrastructure and curriculum development are often the focus of education policy, student welfare is equally critical. “A strong education system is not just about what happens in the classroom; it’s also about how we protect and support learners in all aspects of their lives,” she added. BIC officials stressed that while schools and parents take every precaution, accidents remain unpredictable. “As much as we work to create safe learning environments, we cannot eliminate every risk. What we can do is make sure that when something happens, families are not left to struggle alone,” they said.

The initiative is expected to provide relief for parents and strengthen the broader education system by ensuring that students remain in school despite unforeseen challenges. “This is not just about insurance,” Mophuting said. “It is about safeguarding our children’s future.”