Many Top Achievers unemployed
Since inception of the Top Achievers Programme in 2009, government has spent a total of P1.7 billion on 892 students and 45 out of the latter have failed to graduate with many still unemployed. The Top Achievers Programme aims to motivate young people to excel in their studies, gain recognition and learn at prestigious institutions locally and abroad. It gives students access to higher education so they can help contribute to the economic development and diversification of Botswana.
Responding to a question in Parliament last week, the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Douglas Letsholathebe revealed that currently there are 564 active students, with 283 having completed their studies. He also disclosed that the government is aware that many recipients remain unemployed.
Letsholathebe was responding to a question from Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaborone Central, Tumisang Healy who had asked about the significance of the Top Achievers programme. Healy also wanted to know the number of students who have been sponsored since its inception; how many students are still in school; how many have completed and how much has been spent on the programme.
Letsholathebe further told Parliament that it is unfortunate that beyond completion of their studies, most beneficiaries do not keep in contact with the ministry to share information on their employment status. “However, the ministry will conduct a survey before the end of the year to establish the number of graduates who have been employed and in which sectors of the economy,” he added. The minister, however, said in 2018 his ministry hosted a networking breakfast meeting for the programme beneficiaries and potential employers in various sectors of the economy. “The objective was to create a linkage between the beneficiaries and different industries, for employers to identify skills which they may need,” he indicated.
Asked why the government does not create entry level posts for the recipients of the programme in the public service to get return on investment, the minister clarified that entry level posts already exist for graduates who enter into the Public Service irrespective of where they studied or how they were sponsored. “Currently, graduates enter at C2 and C3 salary scales. The terms and conditions of employment are governed by the Public Service through the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), but I am not aware of any plans to fast track them into leadership roles rather they compete with other serving officers,” Letsholathebe indicated.
He said they have to talk to DPSM in order to propel graduates to positions of leadership and guide them when it comes to choosing pertinent areas of study. Since 2009 the programme has had its ups and downs and just last year there was anxiety and panic when the government delayed opening the 2021–2022 sponsorship cycle.
According to the minister, the primary significance of the Top Achievers Scholarship Programme (TASP) is to reward good performance and motivate learners to excel in their studies.
“In addition, the scholarship addresses the skills gap that existed, especially in niche areas identified as of great importance in the economic development of Botswana. Further, the TASP contributed to the national vision (Vision 2016) of building an Educated, Informed Nation as well as a Prosperous, Productive, and Innovative Nation,” Letsholathebe said.
Healy further asked why government does not see the need to give top achievers special treatment when it comes to employment opportunities since this cohort is cut above the rest. Letsholathebe said top achievers have to be accelerated to leadership roles because they are some of the best brains in the country. The minister also pointed out that they are currently reviewing the programme to close some gaps and make it beneficial for both students and the government. Letsholathebe said the government considers taking top achievers to overseas universities after their first degree or first year of university.