President Duma Boko has said there is need to transform the country’s education system to produce globally competitive graduates.
This, he said when officiating at the fifteenth annual excellence awards hosted by the Botswana Examinations Council in recognition of top achievers in the 2024 national examinations. The awards were hosted in honor of the 39 top achievers in different levels, including the Primary School Leaving Examination, Junior Certificate Examinations, Special Education Examinations and the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Boko noted that education remains a cornerstone of the Botswana’s development, and the young achievers embody dedication, resilience and the promise of a brighter future for the nation.
He emphasized that the country has to be radically different in making sure that learners get taught relevant curriculum at par with international standards. “We need to invest more energy, more resources into revamping in a radical way, our education system,” he added.
He further stressed the need to adopt a new approach to the education system by incorporating vocational skills into the curriculum. Boko said that the approach would integrate the skills into mainstream education, recognising the talents of every learner and helping to break the stigma associated with vocational education.
The president said they are committed to investing in quality learning, innovation and opportunities that empower the youth to reach their full potential.
He further congratulated the top achievers who are torch-bearers that have not only made their parents, teachers and government proud, but have also raised the bar so high adding that they are an inspiration to many.
He acknowledged that behind the success of the achievers, their parents and the teachers also deserved appreciation and recognition as they are the primary motivators of their success.
For her part, the Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education Nono-Kgafela Mokoka said the award recipients are learners who have demonstrated unwavering determination in their academics, leadership skills and good behavior which is why they were being celebrated.
Katlo Johannes, a former BGCSE candidate from Materspei Secondary School was awarded the Presidential Golden Star Award. She accredited her achievement to the support of her parents and teachers.
