08 Apr 2014

Moeding College, on April 5, celebrated 50 years of existence amid calls for the transformation of the college into a unified school.

The school was opened in Otse in 1962 by the London Missionary Society following closure of the Tiger Kloof by the then apartheid government of South Africa.

The school head, Ms Motshegofatsi Kgomela told the gathering that the 50th celebrations could have been held in 2012, “but due to the national industrial strike, we could not do so. Although it was delayed, it is still relevant”.

Ms Kgomela pointed out that the celebration also coincided with the first batch of school graduates’ 50th year since leaving the school.

Furthermore, she pointed that although it might seem that the school was not performing well academically, the situation was opposite considering the kinds of leaners it admitted.

She noted that over the years, Moeding College had been admitting academically challenged learners. However, she pointed that they were challenged due to the limited time they spent with the learners hence she said they would be glad if the school could resort to be a unified school.

She further pointed that the school had a huge catchment area, which hindered parents to be actively involved in the learning of their children. “We only meet those whose parents come from the nearby,” adding that the school currently has admitted about 600 vulnerable children.

President of Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM), Mr Leta Mosienyane who is also the college alumni said since its establishment the school has produced acclaimed leaders of this country.

Hence Mr Mosienyane challenged students of the school to carry on with the legacy of excellence the school is known for.

“Occasions like these are fertile to remind students, parents and community leadership about the importance of education,” he added. Mr Mosienyane called upon the leaners to make right choices between education and enjoyment, adding that students can still be the best without indulging in alcohol and drugs.

“You do not have to succumb to peer-pressure. Do not let those who are not going far to delay you,” he advised.

Further, he pointed that today’s education calls for action and he called upon the transformation of the school to meet the challenges of the current generation.

“Remember the good times when Moeding was a unified institution, admitting form one to form five. It was good because we spent a lot of time at the school and developed ownership,” he added.

The call for the school to transform into a unified institution was reiterated by Rev Mr Dumi Mmualefe who is the chairperson of Moeding Board of Governors.

He said the transformation could change the lives of many disadvantage leaners as they would spent more time at the school.

The 50th anniversary was held under the theme, 50 years and beyond; an urgent need to resurrect the ideas and inspirations of the great tigers. ENDS