Developing countries and regions at the periphery of development are always confronted with two significant realities based on values, namely redress, equity and socioeconomic development on the one hand, and quality and competitiveness on the other. These two points of departure are opposed to each other, but are also equally important for the economic, social and cultural development of the country and its regions. Therefore, striking a balance between the two presents various challenges which solicit a number of closely integrated approaches, some of which may be phased in so as to offset possible major disruption in the reconfiguration of the higher education system.

The Five College African Scholars Program invites proposals for competitive residency fellowships from junior and mid-level teaching staff employed full-time in African universities. Candidates for the May 1, 2005 deadline may apply for one of two residency periods: mid-January to May 2005 OR mid-August to December 2005. Proposals for the January residency are invited on the topic of Health & Society, while the August residency is open to all projects relevant to the study of Africa in the humanities and social sciences.

President Festus Mogae says his government will ensure that the provision of high quality education and training continues to improve in order to produce a more competent and innovative labour force that can drive socio-economic and technological development. He said that his government was committed to ensuring better education by ensuring that opportunities for tertiary education are improved through the expansion of the University of Botswana, the building of a second university, whose curriculum would focus on science and technology, as well as a medical school.