EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES OF NIGHT SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS AND THE POTENTIAL OF NIGHT SCHOOLS TO COMPLEMENT THE FORMAL EDUCATION SYSTEM IN BOTSWANA1

Abstract

Although the Botswana government generally provides basic education at low to no cost, many learners
drop out of the formal education system. Dropping out of school seriously impedes further education and
adversely affects life chances, such as gainful employment. This is particularly so because many of those
who drop out never re-enter the formal education system, due to the challenges they face in their personal
lives. However, as this study reports, night schools in Botswana serve as vehicles for attainment of higher
education, through facilitation of re-entry into the formal education system. Moreover, these schools are
crucial vehicles for transmission of the knowledge and skills, which directly impact the recipients’ overall
lives. Influenced by international conceptualizations of non-formal education, this study targeted both
current and past participants of night schools to explore the benefits, gender dynamics, challenges and
prospects of attending night schools, the operational conditions of night schools, as well as their potential
as a complementary approach to formal schooling.