Botswana's education shame

SYLVIAH DISELE
Correspondent | Thursday January 24, 2013 00:00

It is not easy to believe that children are still learning under trees in modern day Botswana especially with its acknowledged economic success. Classroom accommodation is central to learning. It reduces the impact of the external environment - weather and events in the community - on learning, and facilitates the organisation and effective use of learning tools such as chalkboards, teaching aids and furniture. Through aggressive construction of new schools and additional classrooms, Botswana reduced its classroom shortage from 2,021 in 1994 to only 187 in 2003.

The shortage of classrooms has a regional dimension however. For instance, Ngamiland North and Ngamiland South had classroom shortages of 37.8 percent and 29.5 percent in 2003. Under its harsh weather conditions, many learners are still expected to endure and persevere under the shades in the absence of proper buildings. It is still surprising that the government does not have any alternative to address the situation. Perhaps a presidential appeal for classrooms needs to be added to the one on housing.

In greater Gaborone, some learners still sit on the open ground to be taught under trees. This scenario provides an understanding of the lack of classrooms and need for more supportive teaching environments, especially for learners with disabilities. Last July, the MP for Ngami, Taolo Habano asked the Minister of Local Government to state measures she will take to rescue Legothwana Primary School staff and children from the adverse conditions under which they work and learn, given that they are taught under trees in harsh weather conditions and overcrowded classrooms.

Ironically, other MPs said they have enough classrooms in their constituencies. Botlogile Tshireletso of Mahalapye East said that she did not pick the problem while addressing Kgotla meetings. Like Nehemiah Modubule of Lobatse she said her primary schools have enough classrooms. Meanwhile, an officer at the Ministry of Local Government said they need a questionnaire to answer queries on shortage of classrooms.