No place for laxity and compromise in education
President Mokgweetsi Masisi says his government remains committed to transforming Botswana from a resource- based to a knowledge- driven economy as outlined in the National Vision 2036. He said the government strives to achieve this through the development and implementation of policies on Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology. The President stated that to date, the country has taken major steps to invest significantly in education and skills development of Batswana. He explained that the Ministry of Education has been receiving the lion’s share of Government’s annual budget over the past two decades. President Masisi who was speaking at the Boitekanelo College’s 15th Anniversary in Gaborone said these investments in the education and training system that is seamless are made to ensure that everyone benefits from an inclusive, high quality, relevant education system, which produces and transmits useful knowledge, and a mix of skills that enable individuals to adapt to various work requirements, as well as seek opportunities for Continuous Professional Development ( CPD), during their lifespan. “I should hasten to add that the quality of the programme offerings has the potential to inadvertently undermine, or ultimately shape the quality of skills’ sets required in the job market necessary to improve our national economy. “Therefore, despite the commercial drive of the College, there should be no laxity and compromise in the aim of maintaining high educational standards that are internationally recognised and validated by the Botswana Qualifications Authority ( BQA).” The president explained that just as the Government is committed to doing all in its power to safeguard the future of citizens of this country, by providing budgetary support and student sponsorship through the Grant Loan Scheme, the same level of commitment should be expected from the leaders and directors of institutions, teachers and learners alike. To whom much is given, much is expected.
“I am reliably informed that Boitekanelo College is committed to saving lives beyond the classroom. Not only does the College contribute to the development of the healthcare industry, but it also plays a critical role in the communities in which it operates. “In this regard, the College has embarked on a number of Social Responsibility programmes, among them being the construction of the Masetlheng ward office and plans are underway to build a house for a family in need as part of the 15th Anniversary celebrations,” the President remarked. Masisi told the gathering that the Government of Botswana has over the years challenged the private sector to be active players and partners in the growth and development of the education sector. He was pleased that proprietors and leaders of Boitekanelo College have not only taken heed of this call for entrepreneurship but have also embedded it within a value system of compassion and altruism to the underprivileged.
He contended that this strengthens the shared belief that the acquisition of knowledge and skills is an important factor in the globalisation process, thus making education an indispensable foundation and cornerstone to anchor the country’s aspirations; a dependable multipurpose and Do- It- Yourself ( DIY) tool to be relied upon, for purposes of awakening Botswana’s embedded entrepreneurial spirit. “Although commendable progress has been made towards improving the education sector, there are still a number of challenges we face. These include, among others, the unemployment rate among graduates, the pervasive mismatch, as shared by the private sector, of skills produced by the education system vis- à- vis the needs of the economy,” the president revealed.
He pointed out that the formulation, approval and implementation of the first- ever Tertiary Education Policy of 2008, subtitled “Towards A Knowledge Society: Government Paper No. 37”, catalysed the establishment and growth of private colleges and universities in the tertiary education sub- sector, to complement the enrolment capacity of public institutions. According to Masisi, this policy, and its continual operationalisation through the National Human Resources Development Strategy ( NHRDS) ( 2009- 2022), has exceedingly widened access and participation in post- secondary education for the youth. “Our funding model also changed to sponsor Batswana deserving youth to pursue academic programmes and training offered in private institutions,” the president said.