A tracer study to evaluate the impact of the Department of Primary Education programmes of the University of Botswana on the education sector of Botswana

Abstract

One of the aims of the Botswana education since independence was to improve the primary level as a foundation of the whole education system. As a result, the Government of Botswana, in collaboration with other partners the world over, engaged in the mammoth task of improving the primary education sector. One such endeavour was the establishment of the Department of Primary Education in 1991 with the main aim of improving primary education in any way possible. However, since its inception in 1991 and the changes which are taking place since then, no major study if any was ever carried out to holistically assess the impact of the Department of Primary Education’s program on the education system. This study utilized combined quantitative and qualitative approaches using a questionnaire survey and interviews. The results show that the Department of Primary Education had had a positive impact on graduates of primary education though with some challenges, which were highlighted. The highlighted concerns need prompt attention if the impact were to be wholly positive.