Africa-Press – Botswana. In Jwaneng, Kehumile Moekejo reports that stakeholders in the education sector were urged to invest in teachers and learning institutions to match the skills and talents in the global market.
Speaking at the Jwaneng Cluster Teachers Day celebrations on Friday, Dawn Bell Academy chief operations officer, Mr Kagiso Mfa said in addition to ensuring that all children had access to quality education, there was need to empower teachers in recognition of the noble profession they occupy.
He noted that this year’s theme: Investing in Teachers as Architects of a new Botswana, was a call to grow local talent and skills that would not only enhance the education sector but also produce globally competitive teachers.
“Teaching is a top tier profession that carries dignity. This new Botswana means home-grown skills and talents that are globally competitive,” he said.
He said even though employers had a responsibility to invest in their employees, the investment had to start from personal capacity to augment external support from other stakeholders.
He also underscored the need for teachers to keep up with new and emerging trends to match the current top of learners who are exposed to a lot of things. “You need to continually reinvent yourself to remain relevant,” he noted.
Furthermore, Mr Mfa noted that the community, through structures such as the Parents Teachers Association, had a role to play in developing the education system and contributing towards improved academic results.
Celebrations in Lobatse were graced by the Town Mayor Mr Aron Ganakgomo who noted that even though schools in the area were generally performing above average, a great improvement had been noticed at primary schools as compared to other levels.
Lobatse-based reporter Grace Sebape said Mayor Ganakgomo attributed the commendable performance to teachers.
He said for academic excellence to be achieved, all stakeholders needed to be actively involved in the delivery of the content, emphasising that parents, educators and learners should all understand their role for academic excellence to be achieved.
He thanked government for the radical initiative of connecting schools to internet and provision of individualised gadgets for use by leaners and teachers in their learning.
He urged all to use the gadgets for their intended purpose noting that by so, they would have a positive impact on the learning and teaching process.
Challenges facing the region, Mayor Ganakgomo said, included shortage of accommodation for staff, dilapidated structures both academic areas and staff quarters and outstanding cyclic maintenance of schools.
He added that continuous water supply interruptions, indiscipline by learners such as truancy, drug and alcohol use, bullying, absenteeism and gangsterism added to the challenges.
Chief Executive Officer of Pula Medical Aid Dr Khumoetsile Mapitse celebrated with teachers during the Debswana teachers’ dinner and awards ceremony held in Orapa on Thursday.
Thandy Tebogo in Letlhakane reports that Dr Mapitse indicated that for teachers to fulfill their monumental role, it was crucial to invest in them, by recognising their worth and providing them with resources and support they needed to thrive.
He further stated that it was critical to ensure that teachers had access to ongoing professional development, innovative teaching methods and a supportive environment.
“Imagine a Botswana where every teacher is equipped with the latest technology, where they have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and where their voices were heard in shaping educational policies,” he said. He urged teachers to prioritise their health and wellbeing as much as they prioritised their learner’s education.
The Assistant General Manager Mr Ditiro Lentswe applauded teachers for their commitment to improvisation and adaptability in the classroom, noting that it was the spirit that drove their success.
Mr Lentswe said as they celebrated the teachers’ achievements, challenges that teachers faced should also be acknowledged.
He said one of the pressing issues was lack of proper sports facilities, which hindered the ability to provide the holistic education aspired to be delivered.
Meanwhile in Kanye, founder and director of Dawn Bell schools Ms Ndiko Muzila shared her inspirational business journey, birthed through teaching.
Speaking during the celebrations on Friday, Ms Muzila said it was important for teachers invest in themselves.
Relief Lephutshi reports that Ms Muzila encouraged teachers to desist from waiting on the government to transform their lives. Ms Muzila said she started as a temporary school teacher at Philip Moshotle Primary School, earning P6 600 from which her investments were birthed through an entrepreneurial mindset.
According to Ms Muzila, her dream was to re-package formal education which has now translated into 20 branches of Dawn Bell Academy schools across the country.
She has employed over 225 educators and offers services to over 2 000 clientele. She has authored 53 books, of which 30 are academics, 17 inspirational, 5 training manuals and one history book. She is a Mandela Washington Fellowship graduate.
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