09 Sep 2024

 Government has made tremendous improvement in closing the gap of people who could not read and write in the country over the years, says acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (General Education) in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Mr Steve Bothasitse

Speaking at the commemoration of the International Literacy Day held in Shakawe on Friday, Mr Bothasitse said according to Statistics Botswana there has been an increase in literacy rate in the past years as it was at 68 per cent in 1993, in 2003 it was at 81.2 per cent and was 86.6 per cent in 2014.

He commended the Out-of-School Education and Training Programs (OSET) which he said played a positive role in the improvement of literacy in the country.

He explained that OSET started in 1973 as Botswana Extension College to provide education paths to people who had not  benefitted from conventional schooling.

Mr Bothasitse said OSET empowered learners to know how to read and write, which helped them to be in a better position to benefit from various government programmes to improve their lives.

He said government introduced the language policy in 2022 which ensured the introduction of mother tongue languages at basic education.

Mr Bothasitse said learners at reception or play groups had translators of their mother tongue languages for better understanding of issues.

He said this year’s theme of “Promoting multilingual education, literacy for mutual understanding and peace,” resonated well with Botswana’s stance of improving education and inclusivity.

Mr Bothasitse commended North West Educational region for having numerous play groups in place and encouraged their maximum use.

He acknowledged that there was still more to be done in closing the gap of people who could read and write. In addition, he  said the commemoration should be used to recommit to ensure that literacy improved.

In his message, UNESCO secretary general, Mr Itseng Kwelagobe said education was regarded as a basic need as it empowered people with knowledge to know their rights.

Mr Kwelagobe said UNESCO set September 8 aside from 1967 to be commemorated annually as the International Literacy Day for countries to recommit to ensure their nations received education.

He said as such there was a provision to encourage adults who could not read and write to attend school for education to reach people across the world.

Mr Kwelagobe said there has been an increase in education as statistics showed that currently about 86 percent of people in the world could read and write out of 68 per cent in 1979. ENDS