Africa-Press – Botswana. Palapye hosted this year’s National Teachers’ Day celebration where the Acting President, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe is expected to deliver a keynote address.
The celebration will be held under the theme: Investing in teachers as architects of the new Botswana. Around 200 teachers will receive awards and certificates for their distinguished service and appreciation for the outstanding performance as well as contribution to the national development.
This year 26 teachers are set to receive the Long and Distinguished Service Medal, 38 teachers the Meritorious Service Medal, 36 the Silver Jubilee Medal while 100 teachers will receive the Mid-Career Award. This annual event is a heartfelt tribute to the invaluable contributions of teachers to the nation’s education system. Their dedication, passion and hard work continue to shape the future of the learners and society as whole.
Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union secretary for Pre- Primary and Primary sector, Mr Moffat Bagani said in an interview that the day must not only be celebrated but also recognised as a platform to address the many challenges and burdens facing teachers. Despite the appreciation for the upcoming event, he voiced concerns about irregularities in the award criteria.
Mr Bogani said there was need for a fair, inclusive and dignified recognition system for teachers that reflected the framework used in the other professionals such as Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Police Service. He said while they celebrated teacher’s day, they faced significant challenges that impact their ability to perform their duties effectively.
“These include high teacher student ratios, inadequate resources, lack of promotions, lack of accommodation, substandard working conditions and many more.” Mr Bagani also said that teachers were faced with issues like drug use in schools and indiscipline among leaners.
He said that they were however advocating for better working conditions, increased resources and improved professional development opportunities for teachers. Mr Bogani said teachers were hopeful that the government would address some of these issues particularly in areas like infrastructure and promotion of teachers. He further said the teachers’ unions strongly express strong opposition against corporal punishment in schools advising members to avoid it.
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