02 Nov 2014

Day Star Primary School in Mahalapye celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 31.

The school, which started in 1994 as Mahalapye English Medium Primary School, later changed to Day Star after being bought by new directors. Speaking at the event, Germany Ambassador, Mr Rolf Ulrich commended the school for its exceptional performance in PSLE and sporting activities.

“Primary education should start earlier in pre-school or kindergarten. It is where children are first exposed to the world of studying and of knowledge, a place where the fundamentals are provided, where the corner stone is laid for later education and training,” he said.

Primary school, he said, would prepare the children for secondary school where the youngsters broaden and deepen their knowledge and capabilities to provide them with an open mind and the eagerness and the tools of lifelong learning.

Mr Ulrich said schooling prepares the young generations for life, for taking care of themselves and their own families and enable them to contribute to the community and carry the nation forward in its development. 

For her part, the school head, Mrs Hilda Ndeke said her school is doing well academically and in extra-curricular activities. The school prides itself with excellent PSLE results and this was made possible by the support from the school’s Parents Teachers Association. 

She said when the school started it faced challenges, but with the support of teachers and parents, they overcame those challenges.

Ms Ndeke said Mahalapye English Medium School was at some point on the verge of closing and in the process lost many students and remained with only 33 students.

She said new directors who are currently Day Star directors bought it and through their concerted efforts the school came back to life and relocated to Flowertown, its current location. The school started growing bit by bit attracting more students and teachers until it became a full-fledged school, she added.

Mrs Ndeke said her school has accomplished numerous outstanding achievements, adding that they have started introducing students into the business world through Junior Achievement Botswana (JAB) program. 

She said the school won prizes at JAB competitions and various fairs. It also scooped position one from 2000 to 2003 beating all primary schools in the country. ENDS