15 Oct 2014

Bothakga Primary School on October 13 received an exercising machine from Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Lobatse town clerk, Ms Gabatlotlane Sekwakwa, said pupils with disabilities had the potential to be successful in school and in life and that the donated device would help students to exercise and will improve their health to reduce the risk of developing several diseases like diabetes.

Ms Sekwakwa said Bothakga Primary School was unique as it contributed to children with disability and it was important for parents to have a meaningful involvement in the education of their children and visit physic therapy. She said collaboration among pupils, parents and teachers was important for identifying students with learning disabilities. 

“Success is highly dependent upon identifying and understanding an individual strength, needs and providing appropriate support during school” she said.

For her part, the Senior Prosecution Council Ms Elain Tsiako said they heard about a class of special needs at Bothakga School and they did needs assessment that is why they ended up buying an exercising machine. 

She said they bought the device after they realised that the one the school had was not in a good condition.

The school head Ms Bararo Jone thanked the DPP for the gift they donated. She said she is happy because the school is being recognised country wide, they are blessed and she still expects more from others.

Chief Education officer Mr Tumelo Rakgabo said “blessed is the hand that gives” and pupils with learning disabilities needs to participate in the regular curriculum to the fullest extent possible.

He said this give a healthier state of mind as it reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression which promotes general feeling of well-being. 

Mr Rakgabo said teachers are doing a great job and their effort needs to be recognised, rewarded for their job well done.

One of the teachers Mr Montisetsi Popo led visitors to view the school projects like the school garden, computer laboratory, bee keeping and the poultry. He said the strength of their disabled pupils is hands on which is bearing fruits.  ENDS