Botswana is one of 14 Southern African Development Cooperation countries. It has developed rapidly during 39 years of independence and has a GDP of $3917 per person (2001). The population is approximately 1.8 million. Like many neighboring countries, it has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, so many resources are diverted from development to HIV/AIDS relief. The pandemic has reduced available human resources: the need for well trained science and technology personnel is critical. Botswana currently has one university, the University of Botswana (UB) that enrolls 15,425 students (13,104 full time and 2321 part time for 2004). Women comprise 50% of the enrollment but only 25% and 13% of the students in the Faculties of Science and Engineering and Technology, respectively. There are plans to establish a second university, which will focus on science and technology. Currently, many students who qualify for tertiary education but cannot gain entry into UB are sent to tertiary institutions outside Botswana, mainly through government sponsorship. The Faculty of Science currently has enrolled 1384 students, 25% of them women. Of 646 students who are registered for physics (years 1-4), 148 are female (23%). The dropout rate is also high among females (57 of 148 year-1 females [39%]).
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