Khama emphasises quality education

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Thursday November 11, 2010 00:00

Addressing Parliament on Monday, Khama said that reversing the decline is an urgent priority. 'The ministry is currently engaged in a process of developing standards and indicators of quality education,' he said.

'At the same time we are increasing our vocational training opportunities as an alternative for JC leavers,' he said.

He further revealed that it is anticipated that three of the four new senior schools under construction, being Mmadinare, Mogoditshane and Nata will be operational by February 2011, in time for the Form Four intake.

He revealed that the additional capacity that will be provided by those schools will allow government to do away with the double shift system at senior secondary school level.  The revised Junior Secondary School curriculum was introduced this year, he said, to better address entrepreneurial skills, civic education and environmental and anti-corruption issues. 'ICT has also been given deliberately integrated into the new curriculum. Government is in the process of revising the Senior Secondary School curriculum to ensure that it too better instil needed skills,' President Khama said.

He noted that the Education Hub is also continuing its efforts to attract reputable external institutions.

He said government also continues to monitor the quality in private schools to ensure that professional standards are adhered to.  He stated that to further promote academic excellence, a Top Achievers Scholarship was introduced this year with top achievers identified for studies in areas of demand for economic diversification.

'Government remains committed to ensuring an adequate supply of competent graduates with relevant and diversified skills. In this regard we have embarked upon the rationalisation of technical and vocational education and training programme,' he said.

The development of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) founding campus is in progress though delays and cost escalation in the project are likely to affect government's initial plan for the university to open in March 2011.

He stated that due to the difficult financial situation arising from the recent recession and changes in the tertiary education landscape, the Ministry of Education is in the process of reviewing the BIUST project to determine the appropriate scope and focus in the context of what government can currently afford.