Dow must get serious - BCPYL
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday March 17, 2016 15:06
“The class boycotts can only be avoided if Dr Dow engages the students leadership at tertiary institutions, hold management and owners of private institutions to account and investigate corruption at BQA, failing which, she must do the honourable thing and bolt out of the kitchen if it proves too hot for her,” BCPYL President Tumiso Rakgare said.
Rakgare said the BCPYL is seriously concerned about the negative attitude that Dow has been giving tertiary students. He said it is common knowledge that students at various tertiary institutions have not been happy for sometime over the learning environment they find themselves in, hence the continuous class boycotts.
Recently Dow ordered the closure of both GTC and FCTVE, a move that the BCP youth league finds un-parental. “Dow should understand that shutting down the two institutions will not solve the problems that the students find themselves in and the indifference of the MoESD leadership to their plight. Shutting down institutions will neither raise qualifications of lecturers nor address the issue of unaccredited courses,” he said.
Rakgare said his movement treats with seriousness the issues raised by students therefore it is imperative for Dow to realise her responsibilities as education minister.
The former student leader said BCPYL does not tolerate Dow’s arrogance and ego stating that it is these two that make her belittle students.
He said tertiary students are adults who want to complete their studies and look for decent employment.
“The recent class boycott, GIPS students in Francistown being the latest, recent boycott by BIUST students, Tswelelopelo Brigade in Ramotswa, New Era and the boycott by the BCA students in October 2015 clearly indicate that Dow is failing dismally to deal with the challenges at the ministry of education”, he said.
Rakgare said the BCPYL encourages the students to stay resolute in their pursuit to better education.