The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)-led government has finally launched the much awaited school sport & arts programme after a six-year hiatus.
Speaking at the launch in Lobatse on Thursday this week, the Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng said the government has prioritised sport and the creative industries as sectors to be developed and promoted for the purposes of achieving economic diversity. Kelebeng appreciated the benefits that come with engaging in sporting activities for young school going students.
He observed that children spend the majority of their time in schools, and therefore, it is critical to have school sport and arts structures, policies , and programmes that prioritise the best interest of children. He, however, said that even though sports is a key contributor to child and youth development, there is a need to ensure that the creative industry does not compromise education.
“Participation in arts and sports offers opportunities to explore and exploit to realise the children’s potential. As a fundamental principle, a child should be afforded these benefits and opportunities of sport participation from an early age,” said Kelebeng.
In addition, the minister stated that the government is committed to coming up with a long-term solution that will ensure that all the critical components to a successful talent identification and nurturing programme are in place.
“It is important for us to engage with an intention to find a lasting solution for the sake of the future of our children and the nation at large. Resources have been made available for co-curricular activities to commence in public schools. The resources may not be sufficient, but the government will continue to resource this programme, and with the passage of time as the economy improves, more resources shall be availed,” he noted.
