Rising Unemployment: Botswana Youths Take to Teaching English Online to Asian Students

Teaching English to Asians has been Botswana youth’s way of telling their government that they are done with unemployment. This is due to the high unemployment rate in the country. It’s a creative way for them to utilize their skills and connect with students from different parts of the world. Teaching English online can be a flexible and rewarding experience. 

The High Rate Of Unemployed Botswana Youths 

According to a report in Botswana, surveys have been conducted to measure unemployment levels in the country. These studies show that, compared to adults, a majority of young people in Botswana remain unemployed. In response to this issue, the Botswana government has implemented various programs to address the challenges faced by the youth.

Over the years, the government has included youth employment improvement as a key focus in national development plans and strategic documents. A few years ago, the government officially adopted the first national policy on youth, recognizing the need to prioritize disadvantaged youth.

However, despite this recognition, there are concerns that the youth policy hasn’t fully achieved its goals. As a result, many young people have been seeking alternative ways to make a living, as sustainable employment opportunities and improvements in their quality of life have been limited.

One of the alternatives is teaching English to Asian students. Teaching English online benefits both Botswana youths and Asian students in several ways. For Botswana youths, it provides them with a source of income and employment opportunities, especially in a challenging job market. They can also gain valuable teaching experience, develop their communication skills, and broaden their cultural understanding through interactions with students from different backgrounds.

On the other hand, Asian students benefit from learning English from native or proficient speakers. This helps them improve their language skills, enhance their global communication abilities, and broaden their cultural knowledge. It also allows them to connect with teachers who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the virtual classroom.

Overall, teaching English online creates a mutually beneficial learning environment where Botswana youths can share their language skills while Asian students can expand their language proficiency and cultural horizons. It’s a win-win situation for both sides.

Challenges That Come With Teaching The English Language 

There are challenges Botswana youths may face while teaching English online. One potential challenge is the need for a stable internet connection, as online teaching relies heavily on video calls and digital platforms. Limited access to reliable internet infrastructure in certain areas of Botswana could pose a hurdle.

Another challenge is the issue of racism. Some Botswana youths have explained that one major difficulty they have encountered in teaching some Asians is racism. They overcome this difficulty by overlooking the actions and focusing on the job at hand.

Additionally, language barriers and cultural differences between Botswana youths and Asian students might require some adjustment and adaptation in teaching methods. It’s important for the Botswana youths to effectively communicate and connect with their students, despite potential language or cultural barriers.

However, with determination, adaptability, and the right support, these challenges can be overcome, allowing Botswana youths to excel in their online teaching endeavours.