01 Jul 2014

The Adopt-a-School initiative, which enables the private sector to join hands with government towards improvement of the learning environment, has started to bear fruits.

According to Wikipedia, adoption; “is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another and in so doing permanently transforms all rights and responsibilities along with filiation from the biological parent or parents.

But on the contrary, the Adopt a School initiative does not give whoever adopts an educational institution complete total control of the institution as it is only aimed at assisting the custodial parent which is government with funds to refurbish dilapidated structures provide furniture, funds and transport towards a conducive learning environment.

The dilapidated and poor performing Mokobaxane Primary School in Boteti Sub-district is one of the few learning institutions that have  benefited from the initiative.

The school was offered a new lease of life as it was adopted by Debswana through Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) in December 2013.

Dr Adrian Gale, the general manager of OLDM, said at the launch of the P2 million sponsorship that the adoption attested the company’s commitment to developing education and the future of children in Botswana.

He said the Adopt a School initiative aimed at expediting long term private sector partnership in the delivery of quality education and training. He further said the funds would go towards a variety of projects which included, among others, a block of classrooms, administration block and a library.

I a recent interview, the school head  revealed that the ground breaking ceremony of the anticipated projects was scheduled for July 8.

Mrs Francinah Masole described the move by Debswana to adopt the school as a blessing, adding that it will help motivate teachers and students and ultimately improve the poor results.

She said on the same year that she arrived, the school also performed badly registering 48.3 per cent ABC pass at Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE).

The school head said one of the challenges that could have been contributing to poor results were shortage of class rooms as some of the classes were taught outside. As for standard One to three, Mrs Masole said the school has two classes per standard while standard four to seven, the school has three classes per standard.

She said as a result the ratio of teacher to students at one teacher against 80 students as classes were combined due to shortage of classrooms and human resource.

Mrs Masole said with a population of 510 students, the school at present has only two classes taught outside. She said the school recently received a classroom that was constructed through Ipelegeng while part of the staff room was also converted into a classroom.

Mrs Masole applauded the Adopt a School programme as it will go a long way in improving the school.

The school head said despite shortage of funds, the school managed to revive the prize giving ceremony in 2012 after six years without such a celebration.

She said the event motivated the students and teachers as in 2013 the school recorded 61.9 percent ABC pass at PSLE. The worst result of the school was in 2009 when it recorded 35 per cent.

PTA Secretary, Ms Baitshephi Balaoleng applauded the cordial working relationship between teachers and parents. ENDS