GABORONE, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday reminded teachers of the need to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for information dissemination and social interaction.

In his message marking the occasion of the National Teachers' Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Friday of June in Botswana, Masisi described the occasion as "auspicious" that recognizes the contribution of teachers to the socio-economic development of Botswana.

"I want to remind you (teachers) that there is need to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for information dissemination and social interaction, especially in these difficult times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Masisi.

Botswana closed schools on March 20 this year, as a precautionary measure to contain the spread and transmission of the deadly global pandemic. The closure of schools forced teachers to turn to technology in order to continue teaching remotely during the times of social distancing.

Although schools reopened last week in a phased approach, Masisi said "we have had to introspect on how we do things and identify new methods of delivering education to ensure the realizations and aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education."

Under the new normal, Masisi said teachers will need to be innovative and flexible by ensuring that curriculum delivery and syllabus coverage is completed in the most efficient and effective manner, he said.

"Measures such as e-learning, flip school, the double shift model and flexible lesson schedules should be explored to provide the best learning platforms and environment for our children," Masisi said.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's latest statistics, Botswana has one of the highest literacy rates not just in Africa but across the world, at over 86 percent for people aged 15 years and above. Enditem

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