Africa-Press – Botswana. The escalating number of student dropouts cases in Tsabong District has raised alarm , with 42 cases recorded this year across both elementary and secondary levels.
This figure is considered high and concerning, prompting the district’s leadership to take action and address the situation urgently.
The authorities are determined to prevent the occurrence of future leaders abandoning their education at this alarming rate.
During a full council session on November 20, Mr Hendrick Jacobs, the Tsabong District Council chairperson, expressed his distress about the persistence of school dropouts as a significant challenge in the district.
He reported that eight primary school students had discontinued their education, one of whom was a male student compelled to leave due to health issues.
At the Kgolagano Junior Secondary School in Middlepits, a total of 18 students, comprising 13 males and 5 females, deserted their studies. Additionally, one student left due to teenage pregnancy. Similarly, at the Tapologo Junior Secondary School in Werda, seven students, including six males and one female, dropped out, with teenage pregnancy being the reason for the female student’s departure.
In Tsabong Unified Senior Secondary School, a total of nine students discontinued their education. Among the reasons cited were ill health and teenage pregnancy.
He said government has expressed its commitment to the development of human capital through education and the provision of special education classes to ensure inclusivity.
The councilchairperson said within Tsabong district, Nhake Primary School offers special education classes and has enrolled 25 learners with special needs, including 18 boys and 7 girls.
Additionally, he said Bokspits Primary School had enrolled two girls and one boy with special needs. However, logistical challenges persist, such as one student from Rappelspan who faces consistent difficulties attending school due to transportation issues caused by the parents’ official trips outside their duty station.
Three special needs students from Struizendam have also been unable to attend school due to transportation challenges, he said.
The council chairperson called for a feasible solution to ensure that every student had access to education, as it is a fundamental human right.
Responding to the chairperson‘s remarks, Mr Tirelo Pule, the Gakhibane councilor and member of the community development social protection committee, acknowledged the issue of school dropouts and attributed it to the parental negligence.
Mr Pule identified lack of appropriate parenting care, alcohol and substance abuse as contributing factors to the problem.
He said the committee, comprised of social workers, the Botswana Police Services, teachers, and village authorities, continued to devise strategies to engage with parents and address these concerns effectively.
Adding his perspective, Mr Ronald Baitsewe, the Omaweneno/Kisa/Maraleng councillor and Tsabong District Council vice chairperson, expressed his discontent with the high number of school dropouts as it deprived the nation of potential future leaders. He said parents should fulfilling their duties diligently and advocated for the creation of innovative platforms for exchanging ideas to tackle the issue at its root.
Mr Nkatlholang Simane, a specially elected councillor and chairperson of the education and health committee, highlighted the significance of addressing the increasing trend of school dropouts.
This, he said also negatively impacted the number of graduates who could contribute to the country’s economic growth through the provision of skilled manpower.
“Dropouts often encounter difficulties in finding jobs due to insufficient qualifications, which can lead to higher unemployment rates among the youth.,” he said.
Furthermore, he warned of the potential rise in social issues, as some individuals turn to criminal activities in their struggle to earn a living.
Mr Simane stressed the need for collaboration among education stakeholders, as a clear gap exists between children, parents, teachers, and village authorities.
Addressing this gap, he said was crucial in preventing students from taking advantage and subsequently dropping out of school.
Source: dailynews
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