Locating the true North in education

Tshwarelo Hosia | Monday March 16, 2026 08:48

We have always been a winning nation, even before the advent of diamonds. We proudly remain a nation renowned for resilience and not despondency in the face of challenges. Harnessing our collective wisdom and diverse talents, we can turn existing challenges into opportunities. Anchoring our actions on the time-tested principle of self-reliance, communities can step up for schools.

It is common knowledge that our public schools are facing a plethora of challenges ranging from academic underachievement, dilapidated buildings, overwhelming teaching loads, and low morale to a shortage of critical teaching and learning inputs. On the surface, these challenges seem insurmountable. But they’re not. By working together as a nation and fighting the scourge of over-dependency on government, we can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Community to the Rescue: Community involvement is breathing new life into our schools. Initiatives like graduate tutors, adopt-a-school partnerships, and volunteer days are showing what’s possible. Local businesses sponsor schools, providing resources and expertise. Unemployed graduates tutor students, gaining experience and employability. Skilled volunteers – retired teachers, professionals – share knowledge, boosting their own networks and sense of purpose. It’s a win-win: schools get much-needed support, and volunteers build skills, connections, and community pride – no exploitation, just collaboration. What could be the possible impact of a collaborative ecosystem? The writing is on the wall for all to see. Anchoring development and change on Community enterprises is a breath of fresh air. Community-driven initiatives are already paying dividends.

They never go wrong. Schools are cleaner, resources are stretching further, and students are getting extra support. More importantly, communities are taking collective ownership of their schools, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility. Youth graduates are empowered and motivated. Motivated volunteers are a winning combo.

This is a call to action: So, what can you do? Volunteer graduates could be engaged for a few hours, sponsor a classroom, or mentor a student.

Entrepreneurs could join the fray, too, by considering starting standalone tutorial centres – a community-driven solution that works. With support from parents and maybe a government grant, or a mini loan from commercial banks, these centres could empower graduates to create jobs and uplift learners.

To volunteers eyeing full time high rewarding jobs, this initiative should not sound like exploitation of man by man or revival of the education system on cheap labour. It is a patriotic call to action. Rather than idling, waiting for scarce jobs, graduates and skilled Batswana can lend a hand and help salvage our education system. Let us rally behind our schools and drive progress for the sake of securing a durable future for our children and nation.

Together, we can turn the adverse and daunting circumstances of our times into ample opportunities where everyone involved stands a chance to gain. Let’s regain our posture and composure as a nation.

The blame game, pointing fingers and singling out some people, as sources of our predicament cannot carry us anywhere. It is time for action and not winning debates.