15 Oct 2015

The community and relevant stakeholders have been urged to put hands together and make Shadishadi Primary School hostels habitable and conducive for learning.

During his recently unannounced visit to the hostels, Kweneng District Commissioner Dr Themba Mmusi noted that the vulnerability of the boarding students at the school has to be addressed immediately.

The District Commissioner observed that general hygiene in the hostels was not impressive. He also noted that there was shortage of necessities like mattresses and bedding for most students. 

He said that the buildings require urgent routine maintenance. 

He said it was imperative for the community and other organisations to aid government by improving the situation and promote the Vision 2016 tenet which speaks to the importance of building a well-educated and compassionate nation.

The school head  Ms Cecilia Mogotlhwane conceded that her institution is in a bad condition and appealed to private companies to help it through the adopt a school initiative.

Ms Mogotlhwane revealed that their main problem is lack of water. She explained that Water Utilities Corporation assists with water once a week, which only lasts for three days.

As a result, students cannot shower and end up relieving themselves in nearby bushes. 

The school head said lack of water has caused a serious hygiene problem, adding that the school is currently battling an outbreak of what looks like a skin disease.

She further revealed that there is inadequate clothing and blankets for students. She explained that the bedding has not been changed since 2012.

Ms Mogotlhwane said shortage of bedding and mattresses leads to the easy spread of infections as students are forced to share beds. She revealed that the hostel has only 50 chairs for 311 boarding students, and most are forced to sit on the floor during meals. She added that they are also faced with shortage of cooking utensils.

The head master and her colleagues expressed gratitude and hope that the district commissioner’s visit would bear fruit. 

The district commissioner appreciated that despite the problems facing the school, the kitchen was clean. He said he was impressed that the food was reported to be supplied in time and students were well fed.

He advised cooks and caretakers to observe cleanliness at all times. He asked the staff to collaborate with other organisations to deliver quality service. He urged social workers and nurses to visit the school and check on the students regularly. He said such visits are imperative since the school admits children as young as five years old. Ends