Over P8M Spent On Boot Camps
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday February 15, 2016 18:00
The MP for Selebi Phikwe West MP Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the minister to explain how much was actually spent, activities, departments involved, reported undesirable incidents and a number of learners who did not participate and reasons.
“Madam Speaker, the bootcamp attendance was recorded at 50% with 12,878 out of 25,632 BGCSE completers attending. This low turnout was a result of, among others, six of the 32 schools not having the bootcamp due to various reasons. The first four schools are Gaborone, Kagiso, Ledumang and Matsha. They decided that the notice was too short for them to organise boot camps while the last two are Mogoditshane and Naledi,” Molao said.
He further said the total number of students who did not attend the boot camp stood at 12,754 with 4,863 from non-participating schools. The assistant minister said that there was a behavioural change on the students after boot camp.
“I cannot deny that there were minor incidents that were reported to us including petty theft, minor vandalism and absenteeism by some students. However they were warned and action taken against them,” he said.
However, the Francistown East MP Buti Billy said the ministry could have renovated classes, bought books and other things that are needed by teachers than to spend lot of money on bootcamp.
“I think the money used for bootcamp is too much. Our students could still find counselling in schools because there are subjects dealing with behavioural change. Again, that is the job for guidance and counselling teachers. Again, we should be careful that our students do not get exposed to some people who might end up abusing them, especially their supposed mentors,” Billy said.
Molao’s response was that people would always see things from different angles. Some could bring positive results while others may not.
“Usually, during class time students cannot express or explore themselves than the could during the boot camp. We acknowledge that the challenges are going to be there, but we will keep on evaluating the programme,” he said.
The assistant minister was non-committal on condom distribution at the camps.
“I am not aware of that one, I cannot deny or confirm it,” he said.
He however said they were not going to take action against students who had refused to participate.