22 Oct 2024

Botswana Teaching Professional Council (BOTEPCO) will  soon extend its oversight to private schools.

Speaking during BOTEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for Tashatha Junior Secondary School in Tati Siding yesterday, Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe announced that the council would soon be extend its reach to regulate the teaching profession in private schools. 

The Minister emphasised that the regulation of the teaching profession was of importance in the education sector, regardless of whether the schools are government  or private run. 

Dr Letsholathebe explained that the education landscape was set for a transformation that would shape the future of teaching and learning in the country. 

He also announced that laptops would soon be distributed to junior secondary school teachers starting in Selebi Phikwe next week. 

He said Tashata Junior Secondary School was one of the schools that would receive the gadgets. 

Dr Letsholathebe emphasised the importance of using the laptops not only for educational purposes but also for personal development. 

He said the distribution of laptops to learners would follow later and called on every beneficiary of the gadgets to embrace the digital tools at their disposal, paving the way for a better and more engaging educational experience. 

Dr Letsholathebe said the power of technology and education should ignite a spark of transformation and progress, ushering in a new era of learning and growth for teachers and learners alike. 

Meanwhile, the BOTEPCO Registrar, Dr Raphael Dingalo, implored stakeholders, individuals, and companies across Botswana to lend their services selflessly and without monetary gain to empower their school communities. 

Dr Dingalo emphasised the power of giving back to society, highlighting the invaluable impact that volunteering could have on the nation. 

“True wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the selfless service we provide to those in need,” he remarked. 

Furthermore, Dr Dingalo underscored the importance of enhancing the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of organisations, urging them to go beyond mere compliance and make a tangible difference in the lives of the less fortunate. 

He explained that by actively engaging in CSR activities, companies had the opportunity to bolster their reputation, strengthen community ties, and contribute to the overall well-being of society. 

Dr Dingalo explained that this call for volunteering and improved CSR came at a pivotal moment for Botswana, as the nation sought to harness the collective potential of its citizens and businesses for the greater good. 

“Engaging in CSR affords us the opportunity to engage with staff members/teachers in the school for exchange of views,” he added. 

He said CSR comes with many benefits, amongst them increased  brand awareness, recognition and customer engagement. 

“It is only through concerted efforts, and shared commitment to uplifting others, that we can truly shape a brighter future for Botswana,” he added. 

He appealed to every stakeholder to introspect and change the way they have been doing things in the interest of continuous quality improvement in order to maintain the highest professional standards. Ends