28 Oct 2015

The presenter of Botswana Television programme Matlhoaphage, who is also the   DailyNews co-editor Mr Thebeyame Ramoroka recently retraced his steps to his former primary school, Suping in Molepolole where he motivated pupils during a prize giving ceremony.

In his motivational speech, Mr Ramoroka advised students to take their education seriously, saying other students may be having socio-economic challenges nonetheless saying this should not hinder their success as education could change their lives for the better in future.

He said he understood challenges faced by some students from some disadvantaged families, citing challenges like going to school on empty stomach, not being able to afford proper school uniform or stationery among others. 

He said these kind of circumstances especially poverty should not determine their future therefore imploring students to work hard.

Mr Ramoroka narrated incidents of his early school days that during those days they would heat up stones which they would use as heaters on their way to school during winter. 

He also said that there were no public transport as such they would to walk seven kilometres to and from school during his secondary school days.

He said he got a D grade in his first academic report, saying that was his first and last D grade as he told himself that he was going to beat himself and be among the best, and he did just that.

He further said parents should not be so controlling when it comes to career choices of their children but instead be supportive.

Mr Ramoroka further encouraged students to have dreams so that they work on them as early as possible in order to prepare for their future.

He also appreciated teachers' efforts in trying by all means to see to it that their students excel, saying they should not get demoralised in any way.

For her part, when giving a keynote address the Dean of Student Welfare and Support services of Ba Isago University Ms Agnes Mohwasa said students should be encouraged and exposed not only to white collar jobs but also to non-vocational education from an early age and urged them to take such courses.

She said it has turned out that students are more often exposed to white collar jobs and as a result follow such careers while abandoning non-vocational careers for non-nationals.

Suping Primary school head Ms Sinah Moswete said the school has been doing well for the past two consecutive years, and so they thought a prize giving ceremony was needed hence this one to honour students as well as teachers who have done “exceptionally” well.

She said  last year the school managed to have an 80 per cent pass rate for their PSLE results.  Ends