26th July 2022
Own Correspondent
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has revealed that the primary significance of the Top Achievers Scholarship Programme (TASP) is to reward good performance and motivate learners to excel in their studies even though many of them are now unemployed.
In addition, the scholarship addresses the skills gap that existed especially in niche areas identified as of great importance in the economic development of Botswana.
Further, the TASP contributed to the national vision (Vision 2016) of building an Educated, Informed Nation as well as a Prosperous, Productive and Innovative Nation.
Since its inception, in 2009, a total of 892 students have benefitted from the Top Achiever Programme. Currently there are 564 active students, with 283 students having successfully completed their studies.
A total of P 1,746,105,755.00 has been spent on the programme
“It is unfortunate that beyond completion of their studies, most beneficiaries do not keep contact with the Ministry to share information on their employment status. However, the Ministry will conduct a survey before the end of the year to establish the number of graduates who have been employed and in which sector of the economy,” said officials in parliament.
The Ministry has acknowledged that many recipients remain unemployed.
“However, in 2018 my Ministry hosted a networking breakfast meeting for the programmes beneficiaries and potential employers in various sectors of the economy,” said officials.
