Instated by the Government of Botswana in 1977, this policy emphasizes principles of Kagisano - a social expression through democracy and development - and Botho - expression that acknowledges a common, interdependent humanity. As such, it encouraged the enrichment of education alongside the development of interpersonal relationships.

First Education Policy (1977)

After the National Commission on Education (NCE) in 1993 concluded the lack of support for children with special needs needed to be addressed, the RNPE was established and serves as the major policy guide for the issue. It aimed for equality in educational opportunities and integration of students with special needs with their peers in regular schools. 

Revised National Policy for Education (RNPE)

- First education policy, 1977
- Revised National Policy for Education (RNPE), 1994
- National Policy on Vocational Education and Training, 1997
- Early Childhood Carrer and Education Policy, 2001
- National Development Plan 9, 2003
- Vision 2016 (from 1997)

University of Notre Dame

Attitudes towards people with disabilities in Botswana appear to be changing for the better, with the promotion of greater inclusivity; however, there are still parts of the population that hold negative associations with these individuals. Policies have been put into place to improve general education, though it is clear that more needs to be done to further promote and provide for the practice of the inclusive model of education.

Inclusive Education in Botswana

Dart, G. (2007). Provision for Learners with Special Educational Needs in Botswana; A Situational Analysis. International Journal of Special Education, 22(2), 56–66. 

Provision for Learners with Special Educational Needs in Botswana; A Situational Analysis

- Traditionally, children with special needs would be considered special needs under the current guidelines and would likely have done well under the traditional system of oral tradition and practical-skill learning. Missionaries and the regional authorities scrapped the system in favor of Christian practices.
- First provisions for children with special needs were provided by Church groups and NGOs.
- 1969: Dutch Reformed Church and Lutheran Church set up schools for visually and hearing impaired
- 1971: Camphill Community started a school for the mentally and physically impaired
- 1994: Unit for Special Education in the Ministry of Education upgraded to a division

Historical Context of IE in Botswana

- Jomtien Declaration (UNESCO 1990)
- Dakar Framework for Action (UNESCO 2000)

Special Education Policies in Botswana - International

Special Education Policies in Botswana - National

- Pre-school/Stimulation Centers
- Schools at Primary and Secondary Level
- Vocational Training/Post-secondary Schooling
- Main Observations

Special Education Provision in Botswana as of 2007

Several barriers to education were identified in Botswana, with different authors and studies agreeing on certain areas of improvement.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After