The President of the Botswana Sector of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), Winston Radikolo, has confirmed that school sports are set to start in April, following a fruitful meeting with the Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng. Also in attendance was the Assistant Minister for Higher Education, Justin Hunyepa.
Radikolo emphasized that both parties now have a better understanding of each other's positions, and he is optimistic about improved remuneration for teachers involved in school sports moving forward.
Radikolo stated that they met with the two ministers this week and were informed that the government is serious about reinstating school sports and arts. He emphasized that both parties share the same goal, recognizing that sports and arts are integral to the upbringing and education of children. Consequently, the minister has committed to several initiatives, and they have also pledged to treat sports and arts with the seriousness they deserve.
He mentioned that they are going to form a technical task force team in collaboration with the government to explore ways to improve school sports and arts, ensuring they are effectively managed by teachers. Radikolo made it clear that teachers are trained to handle children, and they cannot have individuals they do not have control over working with students. He stated that most of their teachers are trained in sports and arts, therefore, they have assured the minister that they will do everything possible to upgrade the standards of sports and arts.
“The meeting we had was a positive one. The government has made a commitment to start school sports by the beginning of April. Another commitment made by the government during the recent meeting is that they will provide better remuneration for teachers. We made it clear to them that, as much as we want school sports to return, we do not want a situation where teachers are exploited, as they deserve to be compensated for their hard work and commitment,” Radikolo said.
He mentioned that during the meeting, they agreed that the government should not shy away from inviting other partners in school sports. It was also decided that BISA and BOPSA should come together as one entity moving forward. The government will form its task force, and they will form theirs which will include sports masters and representatives from BISA to create a technical team.
Radikolo emphasized that both parties now have a better understanding of each other's positions, and he is optimistic about improved remuneration for teachers involved in school sports moving forward.
Radikolo stated that they met with the two ministers this week and were informed that the government is serious about reinstating school sports and arts. He emphasized that both parties share the same goal, recognizing that sports and arts are integral to the upbringing and education of children. Consequently, the minister has committed to several initiatives, and they have also pledged to treat sports and arts with the seriousness they deserve.
He mentioned that they are going to form a technical task force team in collaboration with the government to explore ways to improve school sports and arts, ensuring they are effectively managed by teachers. Radikolo made it clear that teachers are trained to handle children, and they cannot have individuals they do not have control over working with students. He stated that most of their teachers are trained in sports and arts, therefore, they have assured the minister that they will do everything possible to upgrade the standards of sports and arts.
“The meeting we had was a positive one. The government has made a commitment to start school sports by the beginning of April. Another commitment made by the government during the recent meeting is that they will provide better remuneration for teachers. We made it clear to them that, as much as we want school sports to return, we do not want a situation where teachers are exploited, as they deserve to be compensated for their hard work and commitment,” Radikolo said.
He mentioned that during the meeting, they agreed that the government should not shy away from inviting other partners in school sports. It was also decided that BISA and BOPSA should come together as one entity moving forward. The government will form its task force, and they will form theirs which will include sports masters and representatives from BISA to create a technical team.
