Bible Studies has been removed from the curriculum and replaced with Religious Education in order to raise awareness on various religions and beliefs. According to the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlogile Tshireletso the move further seeks to improve tolerance in society.
Tshireletso said the decision to replace Bible Studies was based on the need to accommodate all members of society, not only Christians.
She said the decision was taken after extensive consultations with the civil society and Christian faith groups. She noted that the government acknowledged the contribution Bible Studies had made towards building a moral and upright society, with other subjects such as Guidance and Counselling and Moral Education also supporting such values.
The Assistant Minister highlighted Botswana being described as a secular nation could not be attributed to the ministry alone but was also a result of greater awareness and tolerance of other people’s beliefs. She said her ministry is running various programmes including boot camps, drug and alcohol counselling, and guidance and counselling sessions in support of national values.
Assistant Minister Tshireletso was responding to a question from the Specially Elected member of the house, Kgosi Thabo Maruje’s on Thursday at Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs). Kgosi Maruje wanted to know what had happened to the teaching of Bible Studies in schools. In addition, he had asked how the government views the definition of Botswana as a secular nation, which some believe influences students’ delinquent behaviour.
Reference: BOPA
