Botswana has made commendable progress in advancing adult literacy through strategic policy frameworks, community-driven initiatives, and international collaboration. These efforts are particularly evident within the Adult Learning and Education (ALE) space, where inclusive and lifelong learning remains a national priority.

Alignment with Global and National Frameworks

• Integration with SDGs: Botswana’s literacy initiatives are closely aligned with Vision 2016 and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which emphasise inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
• UNESCO Support: UNESCO has played a pivotal role in shaping Botswana’s Revised National Policy on Education, which now includes a dedicated chapter on out-of-school education—formalising and expanding non-formal basic education (NFBE).
• Education for All (EFA): Under the EFA framework, Botswana conducted a comprehensive review in 2015, identifying critical gaps in adult learning and life skills provision and prompting targeted improvements.

Institutional Framework: Out-of-School Education and Training (OSET)

OSET was established to ensure equitable access to quality education and training for out-of-school populations across Botswana. It operates through three core programmes:

Adult Basic Education Programme (ABEP)

ABEP provides foundational literacy and numeracy to adults and youth aged 19 and above who:

• Cannot read or write
• Are semi-literate

Examples of Learners:

• Individuals who have never attended school
• Primary school dropouts
• Prison inmates
• Remote area dwellers
• Adults from religious communities with limited access to formal education

Class Structure:

• Group size: 8–15 learners
• Duration: February to November (Monday–Thursday)
• No vacation breaks except public holidays

Out-of-School Education for Children (OSEC)

OSEC offers alternative education for children aged 4.5 to 18, with the goal of reintegrating them into formal schooling.

Target Groups:

• Children of migratory or farm-based parents
• Homeless children
• Primary school dropouts
• Children in remote areas or from religious communities

Programme Features:

• Aligned with the national primary school calendar
• Learners receive meals to support attendance and well-being

Skills Development and Training Programme (SDTP)

SDTP equips learners with practical, income-generating skills tailored to local needs. These include:

• Leatherwork
• Basketry
• Pottery
• Dressmaking
• Food production
• Entrepreneurship

Training Notes:

• Targeted at ABEP and OSEC learners
• Guided by the Tselakgopo entrepreneurial manual
• Training is demand-driven and community-centred

Key Challenges in Literacy Programming

Despite notable progress, several persistent challenges hinder the full realization of literacy goals:

Programmatic and Operational Issues

• Irregular learner attendance due to flexible scheduling
• Absence of a formal policy framework for ABEP
• Proliferation of OSEC classes near primary schools without clear need
• Difficulty reaching farm-based children due to transport and financial constraints
• Engagement of unqualified teaching personnel
• Existence of “ghost groups” with no active learners
• Lack of clear exit pathways for learners

Resource Constraints

• Insufficient teaching and learning materials (e.g., scribblers, boards)
• Limited funding for program monitoring and staff overtime
• Shortage of skilled trainers, leading to costly outsourcing
• Absence of certification for skills training, limiting socio-economic mobility
• Lack of ICT platforms to modernise and transform learning environments

International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025

Although Botswana will not host ILD commemorations this year due to financial constraints, past events have significantly contributed to literacy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

Impact of ILD Commemorations:

• Raised awareness of literacy’s role in sustainable development
• Fostered partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders
• Celebrated achievements of individuals and organisations in literacy advancement
• Inspired new initiatives and community-driven actions
• Reinforced national commitment to universal literacy and lifelong learning

ILD remains a vital platform for reaffirming literacy as a human right and a catalyst for inclusive development. Through storytelling, dialogue, and collaboration, Botswana continues to empower communities and promote transformative education.