BOSETU Marches Against Commercialised Education

Chakalisa Dube | Monday September 26, 2016 15:59

Private learning institutions in Botswana have often been hailed for bringing new dimensions that have enhanced learning and in the process produced quality results as compared to public schools.

However, not all stakeholders embrace the presence of private schools.  Some stakeholders are of the opinion that private tertiary schools are profit -driven and pay little attention to the quality of students they produce.  One such stakeholder is Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU).

BOSETU believes that since the presence of private schools and their systems taking shape, education has resulted in greater commercialisation, especially at tertiary level. BOSETU warns that if commercilisation of education is not arrested, it could spell disaster for the country.  

Late last month, the union at its annual conference at Adansonia Hotel, resolved to hold regular demonstrations to raise awareness against ‘the commercilisation of education’.

On October 15, 2016 BOSETU will hold demonstrations in the capital, Gaborone. The highlight of the demonstrations will be to raise awareness against the commercialisation of education.

“Our view is that if such campaigns are not intensified, our education would be up for sale. The intention is to involve all stakeholders, among others, the parents, political formations and the youth themselves,” BOSETU secretary general Tobokani Rari said.

He added, in a written response from the USA, “We are talking reality as we speak now. Two colleges of education being Lobatse College of Education, Francistown College of Education have completely been closed down.  Molepolole and Tlokweng colleges of education are slowly being phased out under the guise of rationalisation.  BOSETU believes that the move to close down colleges of education is to pave way for outsourcing tertiary education”.

“Education is also being sold out to the highest bidder. The fees for these private schools are not being regulated and government has left them to dictate capitalists markets. That is why we need to stage such spirited campaigns,” said Rari.