Exploration of Experiences and Perceptions of Three Botswana Basic Education Stakeholders on Employment and Unemployment of Graduates of Basic Education

Overview & Synopsis

This study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of three groups of stakeholders of the Botswana basic education program related to the employment and unemployment of graduates of basic education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants from three groups of stakeholders, graduates of basic education, teachers and employers. All the participants were in agreement that unemployment of graduates of basic education is a serious problem that requires a combined effort from the three basic education stakeholders. They were all of the view that these graduates lacked the necessary grounding in basic skills required by the world of work, which they should have acquired through the basic education program. The three groups of stakeholders were also of the view that the solution for unemployment of graduates of basic education is in the hands of the three stakeholder groups working together and coming up with a common solution. Stakeholder consultation, a labor market oriented curriculum and a combined effort in the development and preparation of basic education students seems to be the preferred solution to the problem of graduates of basic education unemployment as seen by the stakeholders. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]