24 Sep 2014

Standard seven and form three students who are about to write their final examinations have been urged to learn to be courageous and embrace future challenges and victories of life with confidence and resilience.

The Acting Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said this at Jwaneng Mayor’s candle light ceremony held at the multipurpose hall held in Jwaneng on Tuesday September 23. 

The activity was part of the Mayor of Jwaneng, Mr Amos Jahana’s roadmap created to facilitate academic excellence. It was the third annual Mayor’s candlelight event held under the theme, ‘’Community Partnership with Schools is the key to Academic Excellence.’’

Mr Masisi said the event aptly represents a holistic, multi-sectorial approach to addressing education matters; the initiative brings various stakeholders together to shine the spot light on academic performance and celebrate excellence.

He praised the mayor for instilling a sense of responsibility on young people to prepare for tomorrow because if they are prepared they cannot fear the future. The notion and the desire to achieve compelled the mayor to organise an essay competition for students in the final year of study at Primary and Secondary schools titled, ‘’Future, no fear,’’ he said.

Mr Masisi said his ministry introduced excellence awards by way of the Top Achievers Scholarship Programme on completion of secondary school and masters’ level, saying the scholarships address skills gaps that exist, especially in areas identified as of great importance in the economic development of Botswana.

‘’Those who qualify are eligible to choose top universities globally, therefore getting a head start in pursuing their dream careers,’’ he said.

The minister commended Jwaneng parents, teachers, business community and civil society at large for their contributions, noting that it was impressive to see the whole community playing an essential role in the growth and the development of its young people.

For his part, Mayor Jahana appreciated the business community in Jwaneng who assisted him with contributions to make his roadmap a reality. Students need to be encouraged by all stakeholders to strive for outstanding academic performance, he added.

He appreciated all school staff who participated in the exercise. The mayor said he first sponsored the event with P1 800.

Mayor Jahana decried poor maintenance in secondary schools, saying toilets are leaking and kitchens are dilapidated. 

Students who wrote the essays were awarded certificates and money. The first and second prizes in primary schools were P600 and P400 respectively while in secondary schools the winner received P800 while other students who participated received P100 consolation prize and certificates. ENDS