BOSETU Members Head For Vic Falls Excursion
Staff Writer | Monday March 20, 2017 17:10
Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU) choir with its famed choral, traditional and pop music ensemble will also be part of the team for the 10th anniversary celebrations of the ANTUSA (Association of Non-Aligned Teachers Unions of Southern Africa) Games from April 14 to 16, 2017.
BOSETU secretary general, Tobokani Rari says the occasion is traditionally seen as an opportunity for an excursion for teachers as they unwind from a hectic classroom schedule. At the same time the teachers use the annual event as an exchange programme to learn the best practice from their counterparts from South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
This time around the ANTUSA Games will have Mauritius participating, and Rari said it offers ANTUSA members to learn a few examples from the newcomers.
For the BOSETU secretary general, over time sports and culture have proven to be a vital tool in their recruitment drive.
Rari said they have realised that they have members who want to continue showcasing talent in sports, and the arts.
“Sports and the arts attract a good number of people, and we have traditionally been able to attract new members with affinity to sports and the arts, through these games,” Rari added. However, the BOSETU chief says ANTUSA Games are more than just games, adding that they have started a programme called, ‘Beyond the Games’, through which panel discussions have become part of the programme. Research on issues pertaining to education are also some of the programmes being pursued, according to Rari.
BOSETU national organising secretary, Ompatile Modise told The Monitor they are elated with the turnout of the teachers for the final selections, which he says started at regional levels with Lobatse, Francistown, Kgalagadi hosting the regional instalments.
A former football player himself, Modise said BOSETU could not ignore the pulling power of sports. “The ANTUSA Games give us the opportunity to interact with our friends across the borders so we can share our challenges and speak with one voice. It is an opportunity to strategise about a myriad of issues including the declining education standards in the region, poor conditions of service, and benchmarking
with one another.”
According to BOSETU publicity secretary, Edwin Maitshoko the ANTUSA Games will have aspects of a cultural night, pageantry, panel discussion, and games such as football, volleyball, netball among others.