Training
The knowledge of the Tswana community has traditionally
been passed on informally within the family. This has also
happened in a more organized form when each age group has
been admitted into the adult world. Schools in the European
sense came with the mission during the latter half of the
19th century, often with strong support from local leaders.
During this period, Botswana was a British protectorate and
the education was characterized by a British role model.
With independence in 1966, education became essentially a
state and municipal concern. From a modest beginning in
1966, the education system today is well developed compared
to most countries in Africa. More than 80% of the students
complete the ten-year compulsory school, and about half also
attend the two-year high school. After the first four years,
English setswana replaced as a language of instruction. In
2006, fees were reintroduced from high school. Check topschoolsintheusa for test centers of ACT, SAT, and GRE as well high schools in the country of Botswana.
Education has gradually been expanded and reformed. About
10% of the state budget is invested in the education sector.
Priority is given to children and adolescents, while adult
education is more modest. The country has its own university
with a basic four-year education in the humanities, natural
sciences and social sciences. The state offers scholarships
for study abroad in areas not in the country.
However, despite the well-developed basic education there
are problems. The quality of teaching varies widely between
different parts of the country. One-eighth of the
seven-year-olds do not start school, many drop out or go on
a grade. Slightly more girls than boys start school, which
is unusual compared to other countries. However, further up
in the education system there is a shift to the boys'
advantage. Literacy among adults is just over 80%.
There is some vocational training, which includes the
so-called brigades. These are a form of vocational training
that combines education and productive work. The brigades
have attracted international attention.
The education system is now almost entirely financed with
Botswana's own resources after a long period of support from
various aid agencies, including Sida. However, the country
is still dependent on foreign teachers, especially in
technical and scientific subjects.
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