GTC, FCTVE learners guaranteed placement
Innocent Selatlhwa | Thursday March 10, 2016 16:21
This is the promise from the minister of Education and Skills Development, Unity Dow.
Dow said it is normal procedure for students who have stopped attending classes on their own volition to be required to demonstrate their commitment to returning to classes by re-applying for placement. The minister further said it could not be assumed that everyone who boycotted classes has come back to school to start classes.
The minister however said the application process would be undertaken in such a way as to limit unnecessary bureaucracy, but there must be certainty as to who wishes to come back for purposes of attending classes. She said the learners who do not re-register would be assumed to have abandoned their studies.
“Every student who has not conducted herself or himself in such a manner as to disqualify her or him is guaranteed a place. Conduct that could disqualify a student from readmission includes having caused damage to property and/or injury to another person,” she said
Dow had informed Parliament that following unrest caused by students of the two colleges, she closed them down and that the students would have to re-apply when they are re-opened.
She told legislators that at the core unrest was the issue of accreditation of some of the courses offered at the colleges.
“Other issues raised by the students included delayed payment of student allowances, inadequate practical time in some courses and welfare issues, which are currently being addressed,” she said.
Dow said she found it plausible to close the colleges in order to prevent damage to public property and imminent injury to students and staff. She further assured Parliament that Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) is attending to the issues raised.
Meanwhile BQA is expected to meet with student leaders on Friday.
There have been a string of protests in tertiary institutions with the issue of accreditation taking centre stage in most cases.