academic year there were 46,614 students enrolled compared to 20,011 during the
2003/04 academic year. The change is of 57.1% in student enrolment47.
The Government is also providing inclusive and special education to those in need.
There are 35 government Special Education Units, 11 NGOs providing Special
Education and one (1) private Centre. These centres serve 1,183 students.
The number of institutions providing education for students with special education
needs has increased from 12 places in 2012 to 64 places in 2014.
The country has 25,000 teachers in the primary and secondary schools. Professional
development of teachers has been identified as critical area for improvement of
educational quality. Progress has been made in upgrading Primary Teacher
Certificate (PTC) holders to Diploma in Primary Teaching (PTC). A total of 987
teachers were enrolled between 2010/11 and 2012/1348. Another 76 PTC holders are
being trained on school management.49
Botswana has a National Policy on Culture, 2001 which provides a platform for the
participation of all Batswana in the development, promotion and preservation of
their culture. The policy advocates for the free flourishing of all cultures of the
different ethnic groups in presenting their rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Botswana further has varied national programmes that are geared towards
recognition and promotion of the diverse cultures of Botswana as well as to
encourage all Batswana to take pride in the value of their culture, and enhance
creative talents and capacities. These include the Annual Presidents’ Day
Competitions, Constituency Art Competitions, National Culture Day, Constituency
Sports Tournament, National Languages Day, Art and Craft Market Days and
Fairs.
The School curriculum has a component of Moral and Religious education to
promote and protect moral, traditional and societal values of the different ethnic
groupings.
ARTICLE 15
47
See Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP 2015-2020), page 26.
48
374 in 2010/11, 358 in 2011/12 and 255 in 2012/13
49
See Mid-Tern Review of NDP 10, op.cit. Page 51.
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