Distance Education in Botswana and Library Service: Matters Arising Since the Colonial Period for the Records

Distance Education in Botswana and Library Service: Matters Arising Since the Colonial Period for the Records

Olugbade Oladokun

Abstract

With the cross-border experience that began in Salisbury College in Southern Rhodesia and ended with the award of Elementary Teachers’ Certifi cate (ETC) by the Education Department then based in Mahikeng, this paper submits that the History of open and distance learning (ODL) in Botswana predates the country’s Independence in 1966. Using documentary sources, the fi rst part of the paper provides an account of the peripatetic existence of distance education starting from the colonial period. The provision of distance education programmes at various stages in Botswana is articulated in response to how distance education has operated thus far in the country. The paper also points to the pedagogical methods utilised. The second part of the paper looks at the unquenchable thirst for education by Batswana in the face of limited programmes on offer in the country by distance delivery mode. This heralded the rush for cross-border distance education to satisfy the yearning. But then any academic programme of merit requires quality library service to enhance the learners’ motivation, learning process and learning success. Using qualitative
and quantitative research design, this study applies vital elements (management, facilities and equipment, resources and services) of standards/guidelines for distance learning library service designed by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), to gauge library service to distance learners of four distance teaching institutions in Botswana. The results of the survey seem to evoke some tension between the beauty of the programme and the ugliness of not being able to signifi cantly meet the information needs of the students in the programme. The library service offered to distance learners falls short of the expectation of the standards and the students were generally not satisfi ed. The paper identifi es with the belief that both physical and virtual library service should be offered even as the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) is urged to apply a clear regulatory and quality assurance regime that entails all requirements for the approval and practice of tertiary level ODL programmes in Botswana.

Read more here http://journals.ub.bw/index.php/bnr/article/view/859/486

African Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management: Theory and Practice

African Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management: Theory and Practice

    Dr Susan Keitumetse, a Research Scholar

The book with 9 chapters, offers a synchronised scholarly and practical approach to African cultural heritage resources conservation, adequate with the emerging field of cultural heritage studies in the modern world. It introduces the hypothetical approaches to cultural heritage studies and practice from an African context which is currently missing in the literature on the subject. Furthermore, the book provides a research and teaching guide as well as instructional material to academics interested in African cultural heritage resources.

The book is now out online, with table of contents and is ready for orders from the publisher.

A History of Safari Companies in the Ngamiland

A History of Safari Companies in the Ngamiland, 1960-1990

Puso Sezuka

Abstract:

This paper investigates the History of safari companies in Maun and surrounding areas in the period between 1960 and 1990. In the mid-twentieth century the government of colonial Botswana (Bechuanaland Protectorate) encouraged hunters from the West to come and hunt in Ngamiland in a desperate bid to help control the spread of Tsetse fl y (Trypanosomosis) and also to boost the economy of the region which was dependent on precarious cattle production. This initiative led to the establishment of safari companies. In addition, some hunters came to Botswana and established hunting safari companies given the territory’s rich and abundant fauna which was good for sport hunting. This was during the time when East Africa was experiencing overcrowding of sport hunters. Consequently, some professional hunters migrated to other parts of Africa. Earliest safari companies were established in Ngamiland and Chobe Districts making these two regions an increasingly popular safari destination for predominantly international clients. On investigating the History of these safari companies, this paper also examines the challenges faced by the companies, among which are the perceptions of local communities on the establishment of the companies in their area. Interestingly, the post-colonial government of Botswana did not pay much attention to safari tourism industry until 1990 when the industry was recognised as important for economic diversifi cation drive. Archival records and oral interviews are made use of in the paper to substantiate the arguments and observations. 

Read more here http://journals.ub.bw/index.php/bnr/article/view/853/520

Pula Journal

http://journals.ub.bw/

Researcher predicts more rain

A researcher at Okavango Research Institute (ORI) Mr Oliver Moses has predicted a lot of rainfall in Botswana due to La Nino, which has affected the Equatorial Pacific region.
Mr Moses, who was presenting his research finding dubbed Current Rains and Ocean Atmosphere Interaction, during a stakeholder meeting in Maun recently, said normal to above normal rain fall was expected between January and March this year
The research’s main aim was to update stakeholders on the current rains and to explain their connection with ocean-atmosphere interactions in relation to Botswana’s climate.
Another aim was to sensitise them about how the warming and cooling of the Equatorial Pacific Ocean influenced Botswana’s climate.
Mr Moses revealed that generally, La Nina was associated with wet conditions, while its counterpart, El Nino was associated with dry conditions in Botswana. He said sometimes trade winds intensified causing an upsurge that is stronger than usual, resulting in temperatures that are colder than normal.
He explained that what happens in the oceans affects the weather in Botswana, adding that currently the country has already received more rainfall which caused havoc in some parts resulting in some buildings, roads and bridges destroyed.
Furthermore, the researcher observed that some major dams in the country are already full.
The gathering was also briefed that in Ngamiland, there was a shift as rainfall started in November while generally rain season starts in October.
 He said the shift was caused by climate change adding that this season, the district experienced more rains in January.
“We have already experienced more rain in January and yet the season is not ending which means by the end of the season, the rains will be significant. This year there is a lot of rain coming,” he added.

The acting director of ORI, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa thanked the researcher for his informative presentation noting that the stakeholders now know what will happen in the next three months in terms of rainfall. BOPA

Botswana Notes and Records vol.48, No.1 of 2016

The monumental Botswana Notes and Records (vol. 48, No. 1 of 2016), which is a  special issue on Humanities at UB and Botswana’s 50 Years of Independence, now appears Online. 

http://journals.ub.bw/index.php/bnr/issue/view/84

Just sending your CV is a waste of time by Ian Hammond

I use LinkedIn a lot!  And I notice many people asking people to review their profiles.  I have also had a lot of communication from people who presently have no job and who tell me that they have sent their CV's so often with no response.  I have advertised sales jobs a few times and the amount and (almost) invariably poor CV's that I get is truly astounding.  There are a lot of people out there who are desperate to contribute to the economy!

Posting your CV on-line, entering it into recruiter's databases, is exactly what these companies want.  One of their products is a large range of CV's to put onto a database which they can access.  Imagine a recruitment agency with about 100 or more CV's for a boilermaker or a similar work.  What will make your CV stand out?  In my view nothing.  All CV's I have read are more or less the same: School, study, work, references, black on white.

Read more here https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/just-sending-your-cv-waste-time-ian-hammond?trk=hp-feed-article-title-share