Botswana Education Hub December Newsletter

1. EducationHub News
REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA
CONTENTS
BOTSWANA
EDUCATION HUB
DECEMBER 2013
Vol 2, 2 nd Edition
NEWSLETTER
contents
Business Development
•
Top Achievers 2013 Farewell Dinner
•
BEH facilitates Partnerships
•
Botswana Education Hub Attends Rainbow Career fair
•
Ducere Foundation
•
Blind Motswana student inspiration
•
Botswana Education Hub won first price position at Global Expo Botswana 2013
•
Nelson Mandela
MoESD launches Adopt-A-School across the country
•
”
Top Achievers 2013 Road Show
•
use to change the world
From the Coordinator’s Desk
•
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can
Editor’s Note
•
“
•
BiC donates pens to MoESD

2. EducationHub News
EducationHub News
pg 1
EDITOR’S NOTE
known about BEH. Even though we did not make a
time back in 2011, recorded companies in the initiative
survey, most employees in the Ministry of Education
were 32, but they have since multiplied to over 130,
and Skills Development and outside customers share
using over P191million to fund the projects.
with us that they had little knowledge about the mandate
The regional offices have been asked to coordinate it
of BEH. This newsletter has done great in closing the
at local level and provide reports on quarterly basis
information gap. News appear to be just news, but I am
because BEH can no longer cope with its growth. The
informed through feedback from within the Ministry,
impacts of Adopt A School will be shared with you
that the newsletter has provided better insight on the
starting next year, because by its nature, the results can
roles of the Education Hub.
never be immediate.
We share the newsletter beyond the Ministry of
We still count on you for advice and support for our
Education and Skills Development; it reaches our
education to continue to be the best in Africa. This is
stakeholders in the Study in Botswana programme, Top
a rebuilding period, a time to transform and use new
Achievers Scholarship institutions, Adopt-A-School
technologies, good methods, apply new content, adopt
partners, embassies, ministries and other hubs.
new mindsets and re-engineer the processes. We are at
In the past edition, we shared with you one of our key
crossroads - challenged by declining academic perfor-
responsibilities, being ‘Capacity Building’. This time
mances, new technologies, degeneration in morals, stu-
nce more, I wish to invite our clients to enjoy
we introduce Business Development; what it is, how it
dents’ indiscipline, drugs in schools, rigid institutional
reading our third e-newsletter in 2013. We
is run and how it stands to benefit you as a Motswana
management, obsolete teaching methods etc.
intend to keep you informed as we see growth
in the country.
The question is, are we all awake to these facts, and if so
in our initiatives, projects and popularity, however due
Other news items are updates on the Adopt-A-School
what in our little corner are we doing about it.
to unforeseen circumstances we could not publish the
launches across the country, performance of top achiev-
Till next time!!!
September edition. Nevertheless, some articles from
ers internationally, Study in Botswana Ongwediva Trade
July to September are included in this edition.
Fair and partnerships that were established in the past
We observe that, this time last year, there wasn’t much
months. Adopt-A-School in particular is getting busier,
Botswana Education
Hub goes On Road Show
O
Labane Mokgosi
Botswana Education Hub Director
with an average of two launches each week. At the same
From the Coordinator’s Desk
solicit feedback on its programmes and suggestions
bouring or feeder junior secondary schools. In
on any strategic interventions for improved service
2014, students in the Junior Secondary Schools will
to stakeholders.
also be addressed on the objectives and benefits of
the Top Achievers Scholarship Programme so as
This edition comes soon after conclusion of the
IB students the very best in their respective final
secondary schools and some of their students, and
examinations. We expect to interview a record num-
representatives of the Botswana Students Network,
ber of students for the Top Achievers scholarships
to all the public Senior Secondary Schools. The
information on the activities of the Hub, but to also
year, we wish all the BGCSE, IGCSE, A-Level and
BEH staff, staff of the local IB and A-Level private
lication intended not only to disseminate
As we enter the third and final term of the school
their studies. The Roadshow took teams made up of
T
secondary level.
2013, intended to motivate students to excel in
Education Hub (BEH) Newsletter, a pub-
aspire and work towards qualifying at the senior
that was conducted towards the end of August
his is the fifth edition of the Botswana
to foster excellence early enough for them to also
Top Achievers Scholarship Programme Roadshow
in April 2014!!!!
teams addressed Form IV and V students on the Top
Achievers Scholarship Programme as facilitated
mainly by the Schools Guidance and Counselling
departments.
Also in attendance at the Roadshow events were
Guidance and Counselling teachers from the neigh-
Lucky T Moahi
Botswana Education
Coordinator
Hub
Thabang Molopo Motivating students at
Mater Spei-College.
B
EH is extremely grateful to stakeholders that participated in the
Top Achievers Road Show in
August and September 2013. The Road
Show addressed all government senior secondary school students on post-secondary education opportunities, particularly A
Level and IB programmes and to disseminate information about the scholarship.
Participating stakeholders were drawn from
Gaborone Cluster of Private Secondary
Schools, top achievers, Botswana
International University of Science and
Technology, Botswana Student Network and
EDUSA. It was a blend of the old and young.
Four groups toured the country from the
18th August to 13th September, starting
from Matsha College in Kang through
Ghanzi, Maun, Shakawe, and Francistown
and down to the south until all schools
were covered. Top Achievers were impressive through providing motivating discussion about the benefits of the programme
and they shared their experiences as well.
Four groups shared the responsibility.
The Ministry of Education and Skills
Development has embraced this as an
opportunity to bring the different education
sectors together for a common goal. Most
schools have Pledge 48 Clubs, under which
students volunteer and pledge to achieve 48
points in their final BGCSE examinations.
It is made up of students that have serious
ambition to break their previous records, to
excel and get quality pass at the end. They
have a pleasing need to take the world on,
have a wide choice of career and universities as well as benefit from the available opportunities out there. In addition,
they become content with their achievements and builds their self-confidence.
The Road Show was a huge success, and BEH and the team want
to make it even bigger in 2014.
pg 2

3. pg 3
EducationHub News
MoESD launches Adopt-A-School across the Country
Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Patrick
Masimolole receiving mini bus from JAF Auto Dealers.
Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Keletso Rakhudu and Homourable
Ramadeluka Seretse opening library facilities from Botswana Stock Exchange. Botswana Stock Exchange in collaboration
with Sebilo Books Services was donating a library to the schools.
Several companies adopted schools across the country in the months of July, August and
September 2013. Botswana Stock Exchange adopted Boitumelo Primary school in Sebele and
the occasion was graced by the area Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister of Trade and
Industry, Honourable Keletso Rakhudu
B
otswana Stock Exchange in collaboration with Sebilo
Books Services donated library to the schools. The
project consists refurbishing of classrooms, provision
of furniture and books. The occasion was also graced by the
Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Stock Exchange, the
Managing Director of Sebilo Books, and Councillors for the
areas, Regional Education Director for South East and other
dignitaries from both government and private sectors.
Other launches were at Mafetsakgang Primary School in
Bobonong and Chakaloba Primary School in Topisi, which
were graced by Honourable Shaw Khathi and Honourable
Ramadeluka Seretse respectively. The adopter in both cases
is still Botswana Insurance Holding Limited Trust also in collaboration with Sebilo Books Services. They will develop and
improve libraries of the 2 schools in 2013.
The companies started off by donating two sets of books, furniture and renovated old classrooms in the respective schools.
The coordinator of BIHL Trust Fund Mr. Tiroyamodimo
Modimoosi with Board Member of the trustee, Major General
Bakwena Oaitsile graced the occasion; other dignitaries included Sub Region Council secretary, District Commissioner for
Central District, Area Councillor and PTA for the schools.
Deloitte Botswana and Alexandra Forbes adopted
Mogoditshane and Ledumadumane Junior Secondary Schools
in Mogoditshane. In Mogoditshane JSSS, Deloitte pledged
to refurbish the school for the next 3 years. They started
by replacing all the broken windows and doors, painting
classrooms and constructing the shade for the garden. In the
next 2 years they will continually be finding out what are the
needs for the school and working together to address them. In
addition, they will occasionally provide motivational talks to
teachers and students.
Alexandra Forbes will be assisting Ledumadumane CJSS with
excellence awards for the next 4 years and sponsor excelling
students at senior secondary schools by buying them stationery, uniform and other basic needs. They also constructed a
classroom which they handed over to Ministry of Education
and Skills Development during the occasion. The occasions
were graced by the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills
Development Hon. Patrick Masimolole and the CEOs of both
companies.
In November, JAF Auto Dealers adopted Inalegolo Primary School in the Kgalagadi Region.
The auto dealers took off the partnership by pledging a mini bus to the school, which was handed over to the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Patrick Masimolole.
The combi was donated with sports equipment and stationery. Debswana adopted Sese Primary
School in the same month. The partnership involves provision of education equipment and
books to the school on yearly basis.
Coodinator of Adopt a School Programme, Billie Loeto a ddressing students and Parents and teachers at Boitumelo Primary School.

4. pg 5
EducationHub News
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Business Development is one of the core responsibilities of Botswana Education Hub through which
BEH builds part nerships to influence capacity building through negotiation of partnerships with
strategic institutions and organizations particularly in niche areas.
E
ducation Hub is a facilitating body, rather than a specific project organization with upfront capital investment and discrete cash flows that is owns. It facilitates partnerships and foreign direct investment through forums that will nurture
discussions between local and foreign organizations.
BEH uses both in-coming and out-going education exploratory missions to attracts investors and partners in education,
workshops in the SADC Region, International Trade Fairs and Botswana Missions across the world.Activities in the
Business Development are guided by the following niche areas that have been identified for the Education Hub as most
lucrative sectors for the economy:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
Medical and Health Science and Research
Mining and Energy
Business and Management
Agriculture and Livestock Management
Hospitality and Tourism
Veterinary Science
Conservation and Environment
Peace and Justice
Science and Technology
Good Governance and Economic Management
Business Development sector has the following functions:
A.
Development of new initiatives and start-ups. Example is Adopt-A-School programme
B.
Development and management of partnerships and relationships, some of which have resulted in both local and
international memoranda of understanding.
C.
Management of BEH projects such as expansion of institutions and investments.
D.
Research and management of the education sector and make recommendations for policy changes for internationalization of education and training
With effective international marketing, BEH should be able to attract foreign education suppliers to establish areas that are
currently not well serviced in Botswana. This will have benefits both of a better skill range and because the competition,
will encourage more efficiency in current education institutions. These impacts will be longer term.
The BEH Business Plan recommends the Hub to move to realization of partnerships and projects in support
of the internationalization and quality development of the designated areas of priority, which are listed above.
Feasibility studies have been done and the following priority projects are recommended:
Niche
Education Hub Approach
Medical and Science Support internationalization of medical education provided by existing entities;
Research
support capacity strengthening for international public health and health promotion,
allied health professions and traditional health, supporting the creation of a national
research fund and support for industry at international standards; help with international linkages; consider recommending a scholarship program to support graduate
entrants to Botswana-based research programs, including some for international
students.
Mining and Energy Leverage industry’s strong training and international profile to support diversification and sustainable development, stronger R&D, clean coal and stronger minor
minerals presence.
Business and
Prospective transforming programs in training and at enterprise level including
Management
export opportunities; an African-leading General School of Management (GSM) or
GSB; senior public sector staff college or GS Public Admin or Government.
Agriculture
Articulation and consolidation of present education and research capacities; open
and Livestock
issue of whether a new entity is required; sustainable pastoral and agricultural use
Management
of arid and semi-arid lands; major marketing push.
Hospitality and
Africa-best resort / hotel management school at the peak of growing diverse tourTourism
ism and hospitality programmes – could be associated with UB campus at Maun or
a stand alone; follow BOCCIM and other private sector needs.
Conservation and
Dispersed network of institutions including NGOs with international presence;
Environment
strong arid/semi arid orientation; retain link to wildlife management and sustainable rangelands; major theme of BIUST and partnerships; likely relationships to
help build international linkages and support. This is very strong in Botswana’s
brand for international students.
Veterinary Science Strong practice base, there are few institutions in Southern Africa; possibility of
major institution could be scoped along with other possible initiatives.
Peace and Justice
This niche needs further definition; develop education, training, research and
engagement programmes to serve the Southern African Region and beyond. Hold
early search conference to identify leadership roles for Botswana, and develop
the most promising proposals, whether through a new institution or an active programme led by existing institutions.
Science and
Much else happening, BIUST is dominant element of BEH’s engagement; its planTechnology
ning gives Education Hub good guide to modes of support and sources of funding.

5. EducationHub News
pg 8
BEH Facilitates Partnerships
B
usiness Development is one of the core responsibilities of Botswana Education Hub through
which BEH Botswana Education Hub continues to facilitate partnership for our institutions in the
government with private organizations. The Permanent
Secretary, Ms Muzila signed an Memorandum of
Understanding on behalf of Tsodilo CJSS in Maun and
Moremi Safaris, which establishes cooperation between
the two in social support of disadvantaged students and
motivation of top achieving students.
Moremi Safaris will provide social support and academic motivation to students from disadvantaged family
backgrounds and students who excel in academic performance at Tsodilo Junior Secondary School by offering
five students who excel in academic performance and ten
disadvantaged students a free safari which includes inter
alia two nights’ accommodation, meals, game drive,
game viewing, boat cruises and game walks. They will
also provide school uniforms to ten (10) disadvantaged
students annually including school bags and stationery.
This MoU will run for five years from September 2013.
The Minister of Education and Skills Development
signed an MoU between Botswana MoESD and Ohio
University In 1989, Ohio University initiated the Sir
Ketumile Masire Scholarship, which is a full tuition
scholarship offered to one (1) student who is a Botswana
citizen studying in any graduate program at Ohio. The
fellowship is renewable each year until the student completes his or her graduate program.
In an effort to build upon this existing relationship, the
cooperation between GoB and Ohio will include, but
not be limited to faculty mobility programming, student
mobility programming, collaborative research, teaching
and engagement and other mutually agreed upon educational programmes.
Ohio will offer partial tuition scholarships annually to
five full time post-graduate Botswana citizen students
who have applied for admission to the appropriate academic department through OHIO’s online application
system and have met the departmental and university
standards to study in any graduate degree programme
offered at OHIO.
The role and importance of partnerships in education
cannot be over-emphasised. They add value to the education system and promote innovativeness in public education. The private sector bring in a different dimension
to education; they inculcate a culture to think and work
like business people such as being aware of time, usage
of resources economically and producing more with less.

6. pg 9
EducationHub News
EducationHub News
Botswana Education Hub Attends
Rainbow Career Fair
pg 10
DUCERE FOUNDATION
I
particular, mentors have a genuine interest in helping students to grow and
n an effort to improve children’s academic performance, the Ducere
succeed. For the students across the pilot schools, they use access to mentors
Foundation, an Australian based organisation in partnership with
as a powerful motivator, because it provides access to an extended network
three mentioned subject areas. Dūcere Foundation encourages reading, as
in Botswana at a pilot stage in six schools found in three regions; Chobe
well as public speaking skills through providing students with articles to
Region (Kasane and Pandamatenga Primary Schools), South East Region
read and then write reports or make presentations, which is a good way of
(Ithuteng and Tshwaragano Primary Schools) and Kgalagadi region (Kang
building a child’s confidence and self-esteem. Furthermore, the students are
and Mahusane Primary Schools) and recently been established in Zambia,
taken on thirty minutes library sessions on a daily basis and introduced to
early 2013.
educational games or activities in between lessons to boost their morale and
By establishing education principles and practice, Dūcere aims to ensure
concentration in class.
that children are provided with the opportunity to live, learn and grow into
The rewards of structural development of Peace Centres are undoubtedly
tomorrow’s leaders. There are no shortcuts to success; therefore Ducere has
worth the effort - it is enough of a reward on its own. The world-first initia-
programs operating from a range of curriculum design, ensuring adequate
tive builds on the ancient tradition of the Kgotla, as a meeting place, it helps
food supplies to primary school children, providing mentors in schools per
discuss and resolve issues and disputes within the community.
class to bridge the communication gap between students and teachers, to use
This is one of the oldest democratic traditions in the world. Children are
of computers, i-pads and internet utilities in schools.
empowered to understand and communicate in positive and meaningful dia-
The School Improvement Program (SIP) which is the main focus of Ducere,
logue, to promote peace and equality, become advocates for positive change
places mentors each year in standard seven classes in each of the six schools.
and consequently develop into future leaders. Currently, Ducere has success-
These are fresh graduates acquired through the Department of National
fully funded 3 peace centres in Ithuteng, Pandamantenga and Kasane Primary
Internship Program. The main duty of the mentors is to bridge the commu-
Schools. The one in Ithuteng is already at its functional use as it was complet-
nication gap between students and teachers, ensuring that students grasp and
ed and officially opened last year, the other two are still under construction.
understand the concepts delivered by teachers in Maths, Science and English
In the words of Professor Di Fleming, Dūcere Foundation Director, “a child
subjects, which are the three main focal subjects to improve. This is done
B
SIP aims to provide the students with a little bit more than assistance in the
learners and leaders. Established in April 2012, Ducere has been operating
otswana Education Hub (BEH) made a special appearance this year at Rainbow School
Career Fair amongst others. Rainbow Career fair started as massive event, pulling sizeable number of students and locally and internationally schools. BEH stall seemed to be
the most visited stall as the student were interested and acquiring more about the Top Achievers
Scholarship programme.
BEH Director was invited as the guest speaker and had opportunity to enlighten students about
the importance of the career fair in schools and importance of choosing the right career. BEH
representatives - Thapelo, Motshidisi and Tshepiso - were in the stall to sell Top Achievers
Scholarship to students. They explained to students that the scholarship is intended for a select
number of student with outstanding academic performance to pursue careers that are of strategic
importance in terms of driving the economic diversification agenda of Botswana.
BEH believes every student has the potential to excel if they so wish. Potential simply means
‘what you can do, but have not yet done’. Students must understand that every human being is
born with unlimited potential, there is a vast pool of untapped ability in each one of them. The
only question is: Are they willing to seek it out and bring it to fulfillment. Statement to student
“I want to pass” is not enough, they have to do more.
of resources and contacts.
unturned in reaching their goal to develop young, passionate and motivated
Motshidisi and Thapelo attending student at
Rainbow.
the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, will leave no stone
who feels love and support is a child ready to learn”. Our students across all
either on one-on-One with a student, in small groups or large groups. Mentors
the six schools have shown good improvement in their performance across
focus on the individual first, and it is through the relationship and trust built
all the three subjects, with a rate of 17% between Term-II 2012 and Term-II
between the mentor and each student that confidence is built and learning
2013.
becomes central to the life of each child are realised. They have managed to
motivate students as it is a key factor in any worthwhile endeavour and, in

7. pg 11 EducationHub News
BLIND MOTSWANA STUDENT INSPIRATIONAL
G
oabaone Montsho lost his eyesight at age 15 because of a medical condition, but it hasn’t
stopped him from going to university, writing for the school newspaper or mentoring
others. Montsho arrived to Nanaimo from Botswana three years ago and is studying
Anthropology at Vancouver Island University.
While he faces challenges, he said he is willing to take them on and hopes to inspire others.
Montsho attends classes with a note taker and dictates his answers to a scribe during exams. VIU
disability services staff scan textbooks and convert them to PDFs, then he uses a computerized
screen reader to study, read, write papers and email. He is one of 637 students currently registered
in VIU’s disability services department.
On Dec. 3 - the International Day of Persons with Disabilities - VIU will host a community event
to raise awareness for the services available for people who, like Montsho, live with disabilities.
“Being legally blind isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a person,” Montsho said. “Anyone
can overcome life’s obstacles.”
BOTSWANA EDUCATION HUB
Debra Hagen, who co-ordinates disability services at VIU, said technological advances in the past
two years have made a world of difference for people with disabilities. “As one example, students
with hearing impairments can use smart pens which are called Livescribe,” she said. “It looks like
a regular pen but has a built-in recorder. The student takes notes in class on special paper, and
later uses the pen to tap on key words to play back that part of the lecture.”
GETS FIRST PRIZE AT GLOBAL EXPO
BOTSWANA, 2013
G
During next week’s community event, 14 organizations will showcase a wide range of services
and programs available to assist people with disabilities. The event is open to the public and takes
place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upper cafeteria, building 300.
(Story by CMcKenna@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4230 © Copyright 2013)
Mr
lobal Expo Botswana 2013, Botswana’s premier business-to-business
exhibition hosted and managed by Botswana Investment and Trade
Centre was held on the 23 to 26 November, 2013 at the Fairgrounds
under the Theme “Promoting Investment through Innovative Business
Partnerships and Trade Exchange”.
Oarabile
Phefo
addressing College student
during the career
fair held at Francistown
College of Training and
Vocational
Education
(FCTVE) in Francistown.
The aim of the Exhibition is to offer exhibitors an opportunity to actively
promote their businesses and stimulate intra-regional business exchange.
Botswana Education Hub participated and it was yet another opportunity for
BEH to sell their mandate to the stakeholders and community at large, as well
as to develop business partnerships.
BEH was one of the expo sponsors and presented at the business seminar to
share with other businesses investment in Botswana through education.
Through its participation, BEH scooped First Prize in the category of
NATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES.
BEH is thankful to all who visited their stall because they make their existence worthwhile.

8. pg 13
EducationHub News
BiC Donates Pens to MoESD
T
he Minister of Education and Skills
Development, Hon Dr Pelonomi
Venson-Moitoi received 52 000
pens from BiC on the 16th December 2013
in the Ministry Headquarters. Mr Michael
Essiq handed to pens to the Minister on
behalf of BiC. BiC is a French company that has a branch in Botswana where
they manufacture their products. Some
Batswana hold shares in the company.
The pens will be given to learners in government schools at the beginning of 2014.
Mr Michael Essack, on behalf of BiC,
handed over the 52 000 pens to the
Minister. He said, “the gesture is their contribution towards the community that supports them in their business.” By donating,
pens they want every child in every school
to have a pen to write, because without
a pen, learners may be de-motivated to
learn. A pen looks small but has a big role
in a learners life.
In her speech, Honourable Minister appre-
Minister of Education and Skills Development, hon Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi next to Mr Michael
Essiq from BiC.
ciated the donation, more so that the pens
are Botswana manufactured products, by a
foreign company run by Batswana.
She said, “To improve results, a donation
of pens will go a long way in that every
child will have a gadget to use to write at
the beginning of the year.” Venson-Moitoi
said that Adopt A School catalyses everybody’s participation in schools, starting
with an old lady sweeping the school
compound in her village to multi-national
companies. While some learners find it
easy to own a pen, there are some who
find it a difficult commodity to own, and
when having it they will safely protect and
use it until it runs out.
At the end the Minister encouraged BiC
to spread the message of Adopt A School,
and encourage other companies to take
part as well.

9. pg 15
EducationHub News
BOTSWANA
EDUCATION HUB
Contacts us:
Postal Address
Ministry of Education & Skills
Development
Private Bag 005 Gaborone, Botswana
Physical Address
Ministry of Education HQ
3 rd floor
Government Enclave
Gaborone
Botswana Education Hub wishes you a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
p: +(267) 3674540
f: +(267) 3105865
E: info-beh@gov.bw
www.beh.gov.bw
Designed and published by:
Thapelo Kebalepile
Email: kebalepilet@gmail.com