AFTRA in Botswana: Gov’t rolls out new incentives to support teachers – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has underscored ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the teaching profession.

Speaking at the Ministerial Session of the Africa Federation of Teaching Regulatory Authorities (AFTRA) in Gaborone, Botswana, Dr. Apaak highlighted that the government has introduced several policies to improve teacher welfare and attract educators to rural and underserved communities.

These include incentive packages such as paid study leave and the proposed “Teacher Dabre Programme,” which seeks to provide accommodation for teachers in remote areas where housing remains a major challenge.

Dr. Apaak stressed that all reforms depend on motivated and well-trained teachers, insisting that “we must continue to make the teacher central in the drive to educate our population.”

He disclosed that the government is fixing infrastructure challenges in the sector.

Dr. Apaak highlighted how teachers travel long distances as a disincentive for teachers posted to rural communities, adding that some are forced to risk their lives crossing water bodies or navigating bad roads to reach schools.

In addition, he said the government is expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education at the basic level through the rollout of “STEM boxes,” which provide practical learning tools assembled by local innovators.

Dr. Apaak further outlined social interventions, such as the distribution of over 12 million sanitary pad packs to schoolgirls last year, with GHS292 million in continued funding allocated this year to sustain the programme and address period poverty.

He added that free tertiary education for persons with disabilities has already been implemented, with plans underway to extend free education and provide assistive devices to learners with special needs at all levels.