Brigades’ curricular under review
Vocational institutions hit by shortage of lecturers
The Brigades curricula is currently under review to align it to current technologies and become globally competitive in line with the Botswana Qualifications Authority ( BQA) standards and requirements.
This was revealed by Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe who said that so far 30 qualifications, and 12 learning programmes have been submitted to BQA for accreditation. The remaining 18 learning programmes are still under development.
Letsholathebe said there has been significant progress with regard to the implementation of the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan ( ETSSP) since 2015. He said all Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Brigades and Technical Colleges have been registered and accredited with the BQA.
The Department of Teacher Training and Technical Education ( DTT& TE) has also been accredited by BQA as an Awarding Body for Technical and Vocational Education and Training ( TVET) programmes.
“A total of 36 Outcome Based Education ( OBE) TVET programmes and qualifications for Technical Colleges have been reviewed, and developed.
“The qualifications have been developed with the participation of Industry leaders and they are further endorsed by professional bodies such as the Engineers Registration Board ( ERB), Botswana Institute of Geomatics, Botswana National Sports Commission ( BNSC) before submission for approval by BQA”.
He said that the enrolment of Brigades and certificate offering Technical Colleges stand at 7 142 against a capacity of 8 750 ( 82 percent).
There are 2 015 students currently enrolled in Diploma offering Technical Colleges around the country against a capacity of 5 400 ( 37 percent)”, Dr Letsholathebe said when responding to a question in Parliament.
The Minister revealed that there is a shortage of lecturers in Brigades and Technical Colleges. To address this issue, he said a comprehensive human resource audit was undertaken at the Technical Colleges and completed in August 2022.
He said the audit conducted for Technical Colleges revealed staff shortage of 389 lecturers, 56 technicians and 28 learners support such as Dean of Students Affairs, and Guidance and Counselling.
According to Dr Letsholathebe, his Ministry will use the report to solicit additional positions to address the human resource gaps in Brigades and Technical Colleges so as to ensure optimal utilisation of resources.
The Minister was responding to a question from MP for Francistown West Ignatius Moswaane who wanted the minister to update Parliament on progress regarding implementation of the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan ( ETSSP) in relation to Brigades and Technical Colleges; the number of students currently enrolled at Brigades and Technical Colleges; and whether there is shortage of lecturers, if so, what his Ministry is doing to correct the situation.