𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝟬𝟲𝟬𝟬

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

𝗕𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗡𝗢 𝗞𝗚𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗔-𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗢𝗞𝗔 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗟𝗬 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟯 𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

1. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, please allow me to present to this Honourable House the 2026/2027 Recurrent and Development Budget requests for the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education.
2. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, let me indicate from the onset that our proposed budget for the financial year 2026/2027 is a strategic roadmap meticulously aligned with the National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12) and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP). Our Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to driving a transformative vision, one that shifts the paradigm towards 21st-century excellence and the cultivation of lifelong learning. In doing so, we directly advance our global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4, of ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
3. To achieve this, we are prioritizing modernization of our infrastructure to create environments conducive to innovation and digital literacy. However, we recognize that academic success is inseparable from student well-being. Therefore, this report also places a fundamental emphasis on promoting inclusive and shock responsive Child Welfare Services. By integrating robust social safeguards with high-standard educational delivery, we ensure that every Motswana learner is nurtured, protected, and fully equipped to thrive in a competitive global economy.
4. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, I will start my presentation by sharing with this Honourable House progress made by my Ministry during the financial year 2025/2026.

𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧

5. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, the Approved Estimates for the Recurrent Budget for the financial year 2025/2026 was 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟭,𝟲𝟴𝟰,𝟵𝟯𝟮,𝟵𝟴𝟬). As at 24th February 2026, an amount of 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆-𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟬,𝟰𝟳𝟲,𝟳𝟳𝟰,𝟱𝟴𝟲) 𝗼𝗿 𝟵𝟬% of the total budget had been utilised.

𝟲. The major challenges that the Ministry faced during execution of the 2025/2026 Recurrent Budget has been shortage of funds to pay Temporary Teachers’ salaries, utilities (especially water bills), maintenance of education facilities, textbooks and stationery for students. Furthermore, the Public Service Management Directive No.6 of October 2025 which enhanced housing and upkeep allowances effective 1st April 2025, consequently affected the Ministerial budget.

𝟳. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, under the Development Budget, an amount of 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟴𝟮𝟴,𝟲𝟯𝟭,𝟰𝟳𝟭) was initially allocated for the 2025/2026 financial year. The budget was subsequently revised downwards to Five Hundred and 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘆-𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟱𝟵𝟳,𝟰𝟱𝟭,𝟯𝟬𝟰). Thus we appreciate is due to the overall economic challenges. As at 24th February 2026, the Ministry had expended 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟯𝟴𝟭,𝟱𝟱𝟬,𝟳𝟱𝟭), representing 64 percent of the revised budget.8. The Development Budget was predominantly utilised under Secondary Education Programme, with major expenditures directed towards infrastructure development, particularly the expansion and maintenance of schools, as well as construction of staff houses, in line with Government’s commitment to improve access, quality, and learning conditions within the education sector.

𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

𝟵. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,as we conclude the 2025/2026 financial year, I am pleased to report that 756 out of 779 primary schools have now rolled out the Reception Class Programme, an increase from 742 schools in 2024/2025 financial year. This expansion has seen our enrolments growing from 32,590 learners in 2024 to 35,512 children in 2025, representing a significant 9% increase. While some schools continue to face infrastructure challenges due to lack of additional classrooms, we also recognize that access remains a challenge in high-density urban and semi-urban areas. The Ministry continues to support early development through a grant system for community day care centres. To this end, the Ministry has disbursed 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 (𝗣𝟱,𝟭𝟴𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬) this financial year to fund these nursery operations.

𝟭𝟬. Moving forward 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, my Ministry is actively exploring additional options to expand programme access across the remaining 23 schools, with a specific focus on the Central Region where 13 schools have not yet implemented the rollout. Our proposed strategy includes the adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and the establishment of satellite schools. Through these models, we will engage Private Sector Entities, Communities, Faith Based Organisations, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to partner with Government in creating much-needed space for Early Childhood Development (ECD) services. However, my Ministry continues to face shortage of permanent posts for both teachers and teacher aides which threatens programme continuity, as many staff members remain on temporary contracts. It is therefore, critical that we prioritise the creation of permanent positions for this cadre to ensure stability and sustained quality of learning for our students. To increase access for children, as required by the BETP, the Ministry requires additional resources to pay private sector day care centres to enroll more children especially the orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs).

𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗺

𝟭𝟭. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, my Ministry has adopted a globally competitive education system designed to transition our nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based society, leveraging on a Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠)-driven pedagogical approach. To anchor this transformation, my Ministry has reconfigured the General Education Curriculum and Assessment Framework (𝗚𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗙) in 2025, establishing it as the definitive policy blueprint for our academic future. This comprehensive framework will guide the seamless implementation of 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 curriculum across all levels from Early Childhood years to Senior Secondary Schools including Out-of-School Education and Training (𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗧) ensuring that every learner is equipped with the critical thinking and technical skills necessary to thrive in a modern global economy.

𝟭𝟮. I am proud to announce that the Functional Curriculum for learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗠𝗗) has been successfully aligned with STEAM standards. This specialized curriculum is set for implementation at the Maun Special Needs Centre this month of March 2026. This will ensure that the benefits of a modern, STEAM-driven education reaches every Special Needs Children providing them with dignity and practical skills.

𝟭𝟯. Simultaneously, we recognize that the seeds of innovation are sown in the earliest years of life. Therefore, the STEAM-aligned Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum for children aged zero to six years will also be launched this month of March 2026. By introducing these concepts at the foundational level, we are preparing our children for a lifetime of critical thinking.Implementation of the Botswana Language Policy.

𝟭𝟰. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, parallel to our academic reforms, my Ministry is advancing the second phase of the 2022 Local Languages Policy. Language is the vessel of culture, and mother-tongue education is a proven catalyst for cognitive development. As of 2025, orthographies for twelve (12) phase-two languages have been finalized and, most importantly, validated by their respective communities. These languages are Xhoo, Juhoansi, Glui-Glana Tsixa, Nanjwa, Cirecire, Shua, Sebirwa, Chegwapong, Sotho, and Xhosa. By integrating these languages into our schools, we are solidifying our commitment to an inclusive education system where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, opening these opportunities means Setswana now has to become an elective rather than “compulsory” as we continue to introduce other languages.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼-𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

𝟭𝟱. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, following the suspension of co-curricular activities in 2020, my Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Arts, is pleased to announce the formal re-introduction of sports and arts in schools. The return of these activities were launched on the 7th of August 2025 at the Lobatse Sports Complex and it is our hope that the restoration of these activities will enhance social development and talent discovery.

𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

𝟭𝟲. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, my Ministry has made a decision to increase Form 4 intake to provide more learners with the opportunity to complete a twelve-year basic education, in alignment with UNESCO’s aspirations.To manage imminent overcrounding in classrooms,hostels and shortage of learning materials,some schools will be required to implement double shift system..

𝗢𝘂𝘁-𝗼𝗳-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗧) 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

𝟭𝟳. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, the Out-of-School Education and Training (OSET) programme continues to play a pivotal role in delivering quality and accessible education to out-of-school children, youth, and adults. To this end, a total of 1,823 children were enrolled in the Pre-Primary, of which 800 (43.8%) are male and 1,023 (56.1%) are female. These children will be assessed and registered this year for admission into public Primary Schools. As for out-of-school youth and adults who either dropped out of school in their early years or never had the opportunity to attend, there are currently 5,655 that have enrolled in the programme, of whom 1,769 (31.2%) are male and 3,886 (68.7%) are female. In total, 7,478 learners have been enrolled in Out-of-School Education and Training (OSET) for the 2026/2027 financial year.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗕𝘂𝗸𝗮

𝟭𝟴. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, in response to a significant number of learners who are unable to continue with their education due to limited school spaces and poor academic performance, my Ministry launched the Project Bula Buka on the 16th of December 2025. This is an initiative aimed at empowering out–of-school youth through education, skills training and character building to provide alternative learning pathways, enhance employability, and promote social inclusion among young people.

𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲

𝟭𝟵. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, Botswana takes its obligations to the different international and regional child protection treaties, conventions and standards very seriously. Such include; Convention on the Rights of the Child (the CRC) and its three (3) Optional Protocols of 1995; the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child of 2001 as well as The Hague Conventions on Inter-Country Child Protection of 2003. This is in a quest to provide comprehensive protection of children in Botswana and in the diaspora in the best interests of the child.

𝟮𝟬. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, children are faced with an array of challenges which renders them vulnerable to all forms of exploitation and abuse in different settings including at home which is supposedly a safe place. Thus, development of the National Policy on Vulnerable Children (NPVC), which is at an advanced stage, is envisaged to be progressive and transformative to further enhance child protection of all vulnerable children by ensuring better outcomes for children.

𝗢𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

𝟮𝟭. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Programme, one of the few social welfare programmes targeted at children, continues Government’s investment towards provision of basic necessities to children in different setting including children of destitute persons, Remote Area Dwellers (RADs) and other children in need of protection and care. The support recognizes Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) services as a necessity for the overall wellbeing of children who experience loss and grief, trauma, neglect, exploitation, abuse or any other mental health and psychosocial challenges that could be a setback in life.

𝟮𝟮. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, To address violence against children the Ministry is in the process of developing a 5-Year Multifaceted National Plan of Action to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Children with the support of UNICEF Botswana Country Office. This is an effort to strengthen protective measures for children and achieve regional and international commitment including the Sustainable Development Goals which call for elimination of violence against children.

𝟮𝟯. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, data collection, reporting and analysis is key to informed programming and meeting national and international reporting obligations of child protection and care. Thus, my Ministry in collaboration with US Government has developed an OVC Data Management System (Lesedi OVC Database) which is being rolled out to seven districts of Charleshill, Okavango, Mahalapye, Tutume, Goodhope, Gaborone and Kgatleng. The rollout is expected to end this month of March 2026 followed by a national rollout, funds permitting. This is a necessary investment to inform legislative, policy and program reforms.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝘀

𝟮𝟰. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, during the 2025/2026 financial year, my Ministry implemented the Free Sanitary Pads Programme, an initiative designed specifically to safeguard the dignity, to promote attendance, retention and improved learning outcomes.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,my Ministry prioritizes stakeholder engagement to provide holistic support for all learners. Central to this mission is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Scripture Union Botswana, which focuses on spiritual upliftment, character moulding, and personal development. Programmes delivered through this partnership will nurture learner into balanced, responsible, and compassionate individuals by strengthening core traits such as honesty, discipline, and perseverance.

Furthermore, my Ministry remains committed to proactive, sustained support for learners through Guidance and Counselling Programme, and strengthened collaborations with NGOs. These initiatives are strategically designed to instill discipline, reinforce positive behaviour, provide psychosocial support, and equip learners with essential life skills that promote personal responsibility, resilience, and academic focus.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀

𝟮𝟱. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,the Learner Profiling Framework (LPF) was developed as part of the General Education Curriculum Assessment Framework (GECAF) and was developed to inform and guide the implementation of appropriate support and instituting multiple pathways for learners across all levels of the general education. Furthermore, my Ministry has developed Guidance and Counselling policy to guide the promotion of positive behavior, protect children’s rights and ensure consistent supportive practices across schools. The documents await vetting processes.

𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

𝟮𝟲. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, the recent establishment of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) represents a critical government intervention designed to enable accessibility to fresh agricultural produce across all educational institutions. Provision of fresh locally produced foods will greatly improve learner nutrition and enhance school attendance, retention, and overall learning outcomes. The programme supports smallholder farmers by establishing strategic procurement and creating a structured demand for locally produced food.

𝟮𝟳. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, I must emphasise that for this programme to succeed, it requires seamless collaboration across various sectors, namely education, health, agriculture, and social protection. Synergies between these sectors is critical in the HGSFP continuum.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝟮𝟴. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, my Ministry has successfully conducted diagnostic assessments for 472 children with special educational needs and disabilities through institutionalized assessment resource centres based and outreaches, identifying learning challenges early and facilitating tailored interventions. This initiative ensured that children receive appropriate accommodations, such as Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), relevant placements and examination support.

𝟮𝟵. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, I am pleased to inform you that, there has been an increase in the establishment of special education units and inclusive resource classrooms. Over the past year, there was a 4.5% increase in new special education units’ setup in Primary Schools for learners with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bringing the total to 46 nationwide. Additionally, inclusive resource classrooms designed to integrate children with disabilities into mainstream settings have expanded by 16.3%, now operating in 50 schools. This expansion reflects increasing awareness and demand for inclusive education, driven by population growth, better diagnostic tools, and policy advocacy. To sustain this momentum and ensure customized and tailored learning for children with diverse needs, there must be deliberate resource allocation. This will enhance outcomes for vulnerable children, contributing to broader societal goals of inclusivity and empowerment.

𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

𝟯𝟬. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, during the 2025/2026 financial year, my Ministry provided eleven Primary Schools with 528 student tablets and 22 laptops providing each with a set of 48 tablets for students and two teacher computers while an additional seven Primary Schools were equipped with mobile labs comprising 25 tablets, two servers, a laptop, a projector, and a screen.

𝟯𝟭. To ensure effective utilisation of these technologies, my Ministry has trained 491 teachers nationwide, including 184 teachers under the Orange Digital School Project and 142 Junior Secondary teachers in Edu-Ubuntu and Libre Office. In a collaborative effort with BOTEPCO to enhance teacher proficiency and registration readiness, an additional 165 teachers were trained on the integration of Virtual Labs for STEAM education.

𝟯𝟮. My Ministry is also in the process of acquiring an Education Management Information System (EMIS) and a Learning Management System (LMS). These centralised digital platforms are designed to collect, process, and analyse education data across all levels, supporting evidence-based decision-making regarding learners, teachers, and resources. While the LMS will facilitate modern teaching and learning processes, the Ministry notes that unsatisfactory internet connectivity remains a major obstacle. This persistent challenge has made it difficult for schools to fully utilise the digital technologies provided to them.

𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟 (𝗕𝗘𝗖)

𝟯𝟯. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) assumed full responsibility for national examinations since its establishment in 2007. It continued to work with Cambridge under time-bound accreditation agreements. As accreditation requirements evolved, some functions no longer required external involvement. One key outcome was the decision for BEC to issue its own certificates and discontinue the IGCSE equivalence statement.

𝟯𝟰. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, I am delighted to inform you that the Council has successfully implemented a strategic withdrawal from its Accreditation with Certification arrangement with Cambridge University Press & Assessment following the completion of the 2024 examination cycle on 30 April 2025. Cabinet approval for this transition was granted in October 2025. The three- year accreditation without certification arrangement, retains independent oversight of assessment standards while certification responsibilities transition to the Council. From the 2025 BGCSE examinations, accreditation arrangements changed, with Cambridge issuing certificates only for three14borrowed syllabuses (O-Level Statistics, O-Level Additional Mathematics, and IGCSE French). Botswana Examinations Council will therefore issue the BGCSE certificate independently, meaning candidates may receive more than one certificate depending on the subjects taken.

𝟯𝟱. This transitionary arrangement covering the 2025–2027 examination cycles represents a significant milestone in strengthening national ownership of the assessment system. It has also delivered substantial cost efficiencies, reducing annual expenditure from approximately Twenty-Seven Million Pula (P27,000,000) to about Ten Million Pula (P10,000,000) while maintaining credible external quality assurance.On another note Mr. Chairman, the Council has commenced a structured process to identify a suitably qualified local Quality Assurance Body to partner with.

𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟 (𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗖𝗢)

𝟯𝟲. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, during the 2025/2026 financial year, BOTEPCO has successfully prioritised registration and licensing of teachers following formal gazetting of the regulations. A significant milestone was achieved with the launch of Teacher Registration & Licensing System (TRLS) on the 21st October 2025, which allows teachers to register and obtain licenses remotely through the use of internet. To support this transition, BOTEPCO is currently implementing a robust stakeholder engagement plan and conducting perfective maintenance on the system to enhance user experience. The registration and licensing dubbed “Go Live” is further supported by the approval of foundational frameworks, namely the Professional Teaching Standards & Competencies and the Teacher Code of Ethics, which define the skills, knowledge, and ethical behaviour required to enhance educational quality and professional accountability.

𝟯𝟳. During last financial year 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,BOTEPCO benefited from the Commonwealth of Learning’s “Beyond Numbers” Project, which resulted from a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commonwealth of Learning and AFTRA. I am pleased to inform you that for the 2025/2026 financial year, BOTEPCO will be rolling out STEAM education-based professional development interventions in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning.

𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦

𝟯𝟴. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,Government remains committed to revitalizing educational infrastructure through a comprehensive programme of maintenance and expansion. In that regard, my Ministry is implementing six maintenance projects, all of which are anticipated to reach completion by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year. Regarding teachers’ accommodation, I am pleased to report that we have successfully completed 20 housing units each at Orapa JSS and Popagano JSS. While the Ministry had originally planned to construct an additional 72 staff houses, these projects were cancelled following strategic review of the Development Manager (DM) Model.

𝟯𝟵. Regarding expansion of schools, my Ministry had 8 projects of which 6 were implemented through the DM model. Of these 8 projects, 4 have been completed at Goldmine, Selolwe, Moeti and Chamabona Junior Secondary Schools and the remaining 4 at Okavango, Shanganani, Nkange and Motswakhumo JSS will be completed during the 2026/2027 financial year.16Furthermore, my Ministry has successfully expanded capacity at Motswakhumo Junior Secondary School in Lentsweletau through the completion of 10 prefabricated classrooms.

𝟰𝟬. Owing to continued shortage of educational facilities and inadequate maintenance of infrastructure, my Ministry is in liaison with the Ministry of Finance to proactively engage in high-level consultations with the World Bank to solicit a loan specifically targeted at funding our key Ministry priorities. These include rehabilitation of boarding facilities, expansion of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools as well as construction of Reception classrooms.

𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲/ 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

𝟰𝟭. 𝗠𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, allow me now to presen t the budget proposals under my Ministry for the financial year 2026/ 20 27. The proposed budget for thefinancial year 2026/ 20 27 amounts to 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟮,𝟵𝟭𝟮,𝟵𝟯𝟵,𝟵𝟵𝟱) out of which 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶 𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟭, 𝟴𝟯𝟮, 𝟳𝟴𝟬, 𝟳𝟴𝟬) is for the Recurrent Budget while 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭,𝟬𝟴𝟬,𝟭𝟱𝟵,𝟮𝟭𝟱) is for the Development Budget.

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧

𝟰𝟮. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, for the 2026/2027 financial year, I request Recurrent Budget of 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟭,𝟴𝟯𝟮,𝟳𝟴𝟬,𝟳𝟴𝟬), which is an increase of 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟰𝟳,𝟴𝟰𝟳,𝟴𝟬𝟬) 𝗼𝗿 𝟭.𝟯% from the Ministry’s 2025/2026 approved budget of 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟭,𝟲𝟴𝟰,𝟵𝟯𝟮,𝟵𝟴𝟬).

𝟰𝟯. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, while we take the third largest share of the entire Government’s budget, a total amount of Nine Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-Two Million, Nine Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Pula (P9,472,917,280) or 80% goes to Personnel Emoluments (PEs) of the current establishment. The remaining 20%, though little, will cover the following major activities:

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

𝟰𝟰. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 the Secondary School Feeding Programme has a budget proposal of 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘅𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟱𝟲𝟭,𝟵𝟱𝟯, 𝟴𝟴𝟬). This amount will cover the envisaged Home Grown School Feeding as indicated earlier in this Speech.

𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀

𝟰𝟱. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟰𝟰𝟲,𝟯𝟴𝟵,𝟱𝟬𝟬) will cover Service Charges, the bulk of which will pay water bills in all Secondary Schools. The Ministry has identified persistent high water bills due to leakages within school facilities. We are therefore, committed to prioritising the necessary repairs and infrastructure upgrades during the next financial year to ensure resource conservation.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

𝟰𝟲. The fourth largest share of our budget is for subventions and grants to Parastatals and Civil Society Organisations in this Ministry with an allocation of 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘅𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟯𝟯𝟭,𝟬𝟲𝟰,𝟬𝟰𝟬). 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟯𝟯,𝟲𝟬𝟬,𝟰𝟵𝟬) from last financial year. This is because allocations to BOTEPCO and BEC have been reduced by 50% and 5%, respectively.

𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

𝟰𝟳. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, let me highlight that Temporary Teachers have a budget proposal of Two Hundred and Twelve Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Pula (P212,346,160) or 1.8% of the total budget. It is worth noting that the budget allocation for Temporary Teachers is insufficient as on monthly basis we spend an average amount of Thirty-Seven Million Pula (P37,000,000). This means the Ministry only has funds for five months to pay temporary teachers. Mr. Chairman, I am aware that the Government’s position is to create permanent positions for temporary teachers. However, this stance needs collective efforts not only by my Ministry but by the entire Government.

𝗢𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

𝟰𝟴. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, let me emphasize that my Ministry’s new mandate is also to pay particular focus on children’s rights and welfare in order to address the challenges faced by children from diverse backgrounds. The proposed budget under this programme amounts to 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟮𝟬𝟬,𝟭𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬).

𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧

𝟰𝟵. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, the Development Budget amounts to𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭,𝟬𝟴𝟬,𝟭𝟱𝟵,𝟮𝟭𝟱). It is requested for the implementation of various development programmes strategically directed towards improving access, quality, inclusiveness, child welfare, and the modernization of education service delivery. The budget is distributed across five key programmes with Secondary Education Programme receiving the largest share of 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟳𝟳𝟭,𝟭𝟱𝟵,𝟮𝟭𝟱), earmarked for school expansion, maintenance, and the construction of staff houses, in order to address infrastructure gaps, reduce overcrowding, and improve teacher accommodation.

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲

𝟱𝟬. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, in a bid to improve the condition and functionality of our secondary education institutions, an amount of 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟰𝟰𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬) has been allocated for the maintenance of various junior and senior secondary schools across the country. These funds will be utilised to undertake essential repairs, renovations, and infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of burnt facilities, in order to restore safe, conducive, and dignified learning environments.

𝟱𝟭. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, an amount of 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟮𝟳𝟰,𝟭𝟱𝟵,𝟮𝟭𝟱) has been allocated for expansion of various secondary schools in order to align infrastructure provision with student enrolment growth and evolving curriculum requirements. The programme primarily targets the completion of nine junior secondary schools, namely Goldmine JSS in Francistown, Shanganani JSS in Tsamaya, Chamabona JSS in Mathangwane, Nkange JSS in Nkange, Motswakhumo JSS in Lentsweletau, Okavango JSS in Gumare, Kalamare JSS in Kalamare, and Mphuthe JSS in Letlhakeng, while also providing for the commencement of expansion works at Nxakato JSS in Sowa.

𝟱𝟮. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, an amount of 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆-𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟯𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬) is requested for the construction of staff houses in Junior Secondary Schools across the country, as part of ongoing efforts to improve teacher accommodation, enhance deployment, and promote retention, particularly in remote areas. The project primarily entails the completion of 34 staff houses at two Junior Secondary Schools, namely Okavango JSS and Etsha JSS.

𝟱𝟯. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, the remainder of the budget under the Secondary Education Programme is allocated to Moeng College for the completion of the Alternative Pathways Project at a proposed budget of 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟮𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬).

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝟱𝟰. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,, an allocation of 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗣𝟮𝟱𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬) has been allocated to support a comprehensive modernization strategy aimed at integrating technology throughout the education ecosystem. Central to this strategy is the planned acquisition of a unified Education Management Information System (EMIS) integrated with a Learning Management System (LMS), which will automate administrative processes and provide a scalable e-learning platform.

𝟱𝟱.. In parallel, a structured plan has been developed for the systematic procurement of age-appropriate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, which will be distributed to learners in our Junior Secondary and Primary Schools. To ensure the success and long-term sustainability of this digital transformation, the initiative also includes mandatory training for all relevant teaching personnel and the development of targeted e-learning content.

𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲

𝟱𝟲. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,an amount of 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟮𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬) has been allocated towards child welfare initiatives. The Government remains committed to the Human Rights-Based Approach, which emphasizes equity, social inclusion, and the protection of children’s rights to enable them to reach their full potential.

𝟱𝟳. In that regard, my Ministry has taken deliberate steps to implement a child-friendly justice system. The Ikago School of Industry for boys is being revitalized to provide rehabilitation, re-integration, psychosocial support, and vocational training for children in conflict with the law. Additionally, my Ministry has proposed the construction of a School of Industry for girls during the 2026/2027 financial year.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

𝟱𝟴. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻,an amount of 𝗦𝗶𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟲,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬)is requested to support projects that ensure equitable access to education for children with special needs, while providing comprehensive support to all learners. These projects include the Centre for Severe and Multiple Disabilities in Maun, where building works have been completed and funds are now required for specialized furniture and a vehicle and the expansion of the learner profiling initiative to Primary Schools.

𝟱𝟵. Furthermore, learner profiling initiative systematically assesses the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of learners, enabling educators to develop individualized support plans that improve learning outcomes. To complement this, the procurement of psychometric tests will provide standardized tools to accurately evaluate learners’ abilities and needs, ensuring that interventions are both targeted and effective.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝟲𝟬. The Ministry is prioritising the refurbishment of the Curriculum Building for office accommodation at a proposed budget of 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬). This project will address our current office space requirements while minimizing the budgetary burden of external office rentals

𝗕𝗘𝗖 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝟲𝟭. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, an amount of 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬) is requested to complete the BEC Transformation Project. This project is focused on strengthening assessment across all levels of education, including the Primary School Assessment System, STEAM-based assessment curriculum aligned with STEAM teaching and learning, Out-of-School Education and Training assessments, Early Childhood Education assessments, and TVET assessments. These initiatives will enhance the quality, reliability, and relevance of assessments, ensuring that learners are effectively supported across the education spectrum.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

𝟲𝟮. 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, this concludes my presentation of the 2026/2027 Budget Estimates for the 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. I therefore, request that the sum of𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭𝟭,𝟴𝟯𝟮,𝟳𝟴𝟬,𝟳𝟴𝟬) under the Recurrent Budget for Organisation 0600 be approved and stand part of the Schedule of the Appropriation (2026/2027) Bill, and that the sum of 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗮 (𝗣𝟭,𝟬𝟴𝟬,𝟭𝟱𝟵,𝟮𝟭𝟱) under the Development Budget for organisation 0600 be approved and stand part of the estimates for the financial year 2026/2027.

𝟲𝟯. 𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗿. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻.