Education in Botswana
Botswana has strengthened its education manifold since it gained freedom from the United Kingdom in 1966. The Government of Botswana assures that all children must receive at least 10 years of education leading to junior certificate. After passing many of these children attend secondary schools leading to the award of Botswana General Certificate of Education (BGCE). Technical and vocational courses are also available in abundance. Though Botswana has achieved a good level of education, primary level education needs attention as there is a lack of resources at primary level education.
The Government of Botswana is striving hard to strengthen education starting from the primary level. The Ministry of Education and Skill Development is administering authority for educational administration in Botswana both at central and provincial level. For this purpose the ministry works with different education and technology agencies that come under it.
The Pre School Education program in Botswana is managed as a three tier education -
- Baby-Care: 0 – 2 years
- Day-care/Nursery: 2 - 4 years
- Pre-Primary: 4 – 6 years
Primary Education in Botswana
Lower Primary- The duration of Lower Primary Schooling is 4 Years, comprising classes 1 through 4.
Upper Primary- The duration of upper primary schooling is 3 years, comprising classes 5 through 7.
Secondary Education- The students who successfully complete upper primary schooling are enrolled to junior schools and then to senior secondary schools. Completion of senior secondary education makes equivalent to 12 years of school education, which is a mandatory requirement to enrollment in universities.
There are many tertiary education institutions in Botswana, including colleges of accounting and agriculture, and institutes of administration, commerce, and health sciences. The University of Botswana opened in 1964 is one of the premier institutions in the country to provide higher education.