UB interacts with prospective students
Holds essay competition for senior schools
The University of Botswana held an essay competition for Form Four learners in public senior schools as part of its 40th celebration.
The competition was set up to provide a platform for the institution to interact with prospective students in an inclusive and collaborative way. A pivotal opportunity for learners to apply critical thinking in their work.
The title of the essay competition was, ‘ The ever- changing technology and growing demands of the 21st century have a great influence on our education system.’
The question that learners had to address was, “What do you think our schools should do to embrace the changing world of technology in terms of teaching, learning, and communication?”
Kevin Masisi a learner of Naledi Senior Secondary school got position one and walked away with a cash prize of P2500.
Masisi who got the ultimate prize explained that his essay was about building the ultimate student that can be competitive in the global world. He said the modern era is based on technology and it is time that Botswana jumps onto the bandwagon of embracing the ever- changing technology.
He wrote about developing a programme in schools that allows students to develop their technological ideas and build prototypes that can ultimately be used to improve life.
Wazha Masalila of Nata Senior got position two and received P1500, while position three was scooped by Dimpho Ramotlhagodi from Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School, who got P1 000.
Assistant Minister of Education, Aubrey Lesaso commended the university for providing a platform for young people to express themselves.
“We need to develop a tight ecosystem in Botswana that will continuously promote entrepreneurship and innovation,” Lesaso said, noting that this is a sure way of growing the economy of Botswana.
“Through this initiative the University of Botswana continues to contribute to the next generation of scholars before they enter university dates.” Lesaso indicated that the Ministry has thrown their weight of support behind the competition and the UB initiative.
He stated a total of 46 submissions and entries were received from 15 schools. Lesaso applauded the school heads for helping coordinate the competition in their schools.
“Every nominee and contestant is exemplary in their own right.” He noted the Form Four learners that have entered the competition are already high prospective university learners.
Professor Richard Tabulawa indicated that the University of Botswana is transforming into a socially responsible institution. He said that the university wants to impact the society at large. Tabulawa said that it is their desire to inform prospective learners about what the university does.
“Knowledge has become a hot resource, and without knowledge these days it is hard to prosper.” He added that knowledge is not affected by the law of diminishing returns therefore it promises exponential growth.
He applauded the students for rising to the occasion and applying their minds on the task they were given. Professor Rose Tafila explained that the competition provided students with an opportunity to think critically and reflect on possible solutions to problems and challenges that are faced by the society. Tafila said the objective of the competition was to contribute to the development of the next generation of scholars and prepare them for participation for university, as writing is an essential part of learning in university.