LOCAL LANGUAGES AS A RESOURCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: WAY FORWARD FOR IMPLEMENTING LOCAL LANGUAGE TEACHING IN BOTSWANA1

Abstract

The decision to develop languages in education policy to implement Botswana local languages in education marks a big milestone in the incorporation of languages in education in Botswana. Hitherto, only Setswana and English were the only school languages. However, at the beginning of 2023 some of the other indigenous languages have started being used in schools, and the phased introduction of remaining ones will be done after necessary developments are undertaken to resource and capacitate them. This paper reports on the languages in education policy and its bearing on the introduction of local languages in Botswana schools. It discusses some technical and strategic issues that need to be considered for the implementation to fully succeed. The paper takes the view that allowing other languages in school provides a learning resource that will efficiently facilitate the learning processes, ensuring inclusivity, equity, democratization of the curriculum and the fulfilment of the ideal of education for all.