Botswana: The first cohort of secondary school teachers graduated on 3rd September 2024 at the Botho University. They were enrolled for a training on Online Teaching, Pedagogy and Technology
The training targeted a total number of four thousand five hundred (4500) secondary school teachers. It falls under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and Botho University in August 2023.
The MoU which is in pursuit of growing and developing Botswana’s Education sector. The teachers shared their views and experiences on the journey of the training. One of the graduates, Thatayaone Kgwathi who is also a teacher at Ledumang Senior Secondary School said the course has acquainted them with knowledge and skills that will shape the future of education in the country.
“In today’s digital age technology plays a crucial role in education. Our course has equipped us with the tools and techniques to effectively integrate technology into our teaching practices.”
She added that, “We have learnt to create engaging and interactive learning environments that cater for diverse learning needs of our students.”
Kgwathi concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development for having availed such an invaluable training for teachers.
Director of ICT and Media Services Louis Ngope said the graduation marked a significant milestone. It was crucial in the nation’s journey towards digital transformation particularly in the realm of education.
She highlighted that the National Transformation Strategy of 2023 says that in order to propel the nation towards the Vision 2036 Pillar 1 of Sustainable Economic Development. She said that and to arrive at the envisioned knowledge based economy, education sector must implement education methodology reforms.
The sector must implement the improvements in education outputs ,inclusive of technology and innovation. Ngope commended the institution for availing the course to educators. He said that the course equips the teachers with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to effectively utilize technology in the classroom.
Accordingly, the training initiative lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable education system.
Vice Chancellor of Botho University Dr Sheela Raja Ram welcomed the trainees to thee graduation ceremony. She said the course is a proper 30 day certifiable program recognized by Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).