Education

In Botswana, Basic education (primary to secondary) is free and compulsory.

The government of Botswana and UNHCR, through its education partners, Skillshare International Botswana (SKIB) and Learn to Play, provide education in the Dukwi refugee camp. Visit the How to get help in Botswana? Section to see their contact details.

ATTENTION! UNHCR and partners have implemented necessary COVID-19 safety measures for safe school operations, such as facemasks, physical distance, and handwashing stations with running water.

School Term Dates 2023

Term 1- 10 January – 05 April 2023
Term 2- 25 April – 18 August 2023
Term 3- 05 September – 29 November 2023

How does the education system work in Botswana?

Primary Education

Primary education in Botswana is free and compulsory. Any child can join the nearest primary school at any time of the school term, and learning kit and uniform will be provided, though limited. There is one primary school within the camp, Dukwi primary school. Students go through 7 years of primary education and at the end sit for the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) which is used to determine their progression to junior school.

Junior school

There is one junior secondary school, Dukwi junior secondary school in Dukwi village. Students are enrolled based on protection, academic needs, and age criteria. You can find details including eligibility and requirements on the call for application that comes out every academic year and made available on the Botswana government website under the Ministry of Basic Education.

Secondary Education

Proceeding to secondary education is based on academic merit, which is dependent on how students perform on their Junior Certificate Examinations (JCE) undertaken at level 3 of junior school. There is no senior school in Dukwi, therefore, students are usually admitted to boarding schools in Nata, Tutume or Francistown. UNHCR, through the support of the partner SKIB, supports students throughout the 2 years of senior school by providing their basic needs (toiletries and transport to and from the schools).

Tertiary Scholarships

Tertiary scholarships available are limited and awarded on merit and are normally advertised in notice boards across the camp by different partners, if available.

Universities including University of Botswana, Botho University and Limkokwing also offer full tuition scholarships to refugee students based on academic excellence, UNHCR in collaboration with the partners provide financial support to these students to cover necessities (living allowance) while at tertiary. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore private sponsorships and UNHCR is available to support with access to relevant study permits through the government.

Visit UNHCR’s Scholarships Opportunities for Refugees platform that helps you find accredited higher education academic or scholarship programmes verified by UNHCR to allow you to pursue advanced study, skills and professional development.