23 Jun 2015

The department of education in North West region is piloting a breakthrough to English initiative in nine primary schools in the district to assist students who had not been doing well in English Language.

The schools are Andre Wellio, Matsaudi, Shashe, Gumare, Mohembo, Xakao, Etsha 1, Shamombo and Mogotlho. North West District council chairman, Mr Reaboka Mbulawa, said during the ongoing council meeting that the development was expected to improve performance in schools.

Mr Mbulalwa said research had shown that students especially those from rural areas failed examinations due to lack of better understanding of English Language. He underscored the importance of education, noting that without education, one was doomed.

He said with education there were better opportunities in life hence the need to impart knowledge to citizens. Mr Mbulawa observed that the region was also planning to enrol reception classes to 22 more classes in 2016 bringing to a total of 37 schools in the district from the current 15.

He said one class per 30 pupils would still be maintained to enable better management of classes and that the initiative would go a long way in improving performance in schools.
Councillors were also informed that the district was doing well in the inspection of schools of which 62 out of 82 had been inspected to date while follow up for the rest was ongoing.

The purpose of inspection is to assist the Department of Education address challenges in the teaching and learning of students. Mr Mbulawa also pointed out that the district was experiencing a decline in social values and discipline in schools which he said was of great concern.

He urged fellow councillors to help the department restore good social values and discipline in students as failure to do so would lead to poor academic performance.

“At present, we have started addressing schools to constantly hold assemblies and sensitize students on the value of greeting and singing the national anthem, among other social morals,” he added.

Mr Mbulawa said schools should interrogate and appreciate the national anthem, invite the district leadership such as dikgosi, pastors, councillors and village development committees and parents to address learners in schools. He said schools should ensure students were inspected before they entered classrooms and observe strict orders to obey instructions and discipline.

The chairman observed that some students lacked parental guidance as they usually stayed alone with their younger siblings. He said efforts were being made to address parents to assume their role in educating their children.

Mr Mbulawa urged councillors to work with parents and school management to restore respect and responsibility in students. Ends