07 Dec 2015

Former Tatitown Customary Court president, Ms Ludo Mosojane says excellence awards are part of a human life as they motivate people.

Speaking at the Tonota sub region excellence awards recently, Ms Mosojane said even in the Bible songs of praise were sung for those who did well.

She said what was needed about the excellence awards was that they were not only about individuals performance, but have an impact in the broader concept because they bring value to the nation.

Ms Mosojane said the awards demonstrate commitment to education and mark the beginning of a journey to greater heights for recipients.

For his part, the Member of Parliament for Tonota, Mr Thapelo Olopeng urged pupils who did not receive the awards to work hard, focus, set priorities and manage their time effectively.

Mr Olopeng, who is also the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, implored pupils to stay away from alcohol and drugs.

He said parents should team up with teachers and ensure pupils excel academically. Mr Olopeng contrasted the education of children to a football team, saying it needs collective effort by both players.

Mr Olopeng said he was aware of challenges of teachers such as shortage of accommodation, but promised that through the Economic Stimulus Programme, (ESP) the government would address the problem. He further assured the sub region that he would work with them to improve school results.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the chief education officer, Ms Milidzani Nduna said schools in the region were faced with challenges that included inadequate funds for furniture and teaching aids, stationery, indiscipline among students and shortage of teachers’ accommodation.

She explained that the Tonota sub region was made up of schools in Mathangwane, Serule, Mabesekwa and Tonota.

Letlhabile school head, Ms Sealogane Modipe-Osentse said the excellence awards started in 2010 with primary schools, but has since grown to include students, teachers and non-teaching staff in primary, junior and senior secondary schools.

Ms Modipe-Osentse said the awards were aimed at recognising excellent performers for the year 2013 and 2104. She explained that the Botswana Examination Council (BEC) results were used while for non-teaching staff, PDP marks and general conduct were used.  As for teachers, she said, the performance of their students was used.

“For teachers at primary, we award 80 per cent and above, junior secondary 60 per cent and above while at senior secondary we consider 55 per cent and above,” she said.

According to the 2014 BEC primary school results for the Tonota sub region, Rauwe, Kgosi Sekoko and Tholodi scooped first, second and third positions respectively while the award for the most improved went to Mmandunyane.

In the junior secondary category, Rutwang, Tonota and Chamabona got position one, two and three respectively and the most improved prize went to Rutwang. ENDS