17 May 2016

A philanthropist Ms Gogontlejang Phaladi, has advised Motswasele Secondary School Form three students not to allow difficult circumstances that may exist in their lives to blot their chances of academic success.

Ms Phaladi said this last week when motivating the students at the school’s career fair in Molepolole. 

She said some people normally underestimate themselves by giving excuses that they are poor, orphans or live with disabilities therefore cannot be counted to succeed.

She however advised that there are examples of people who have managed to rise above their challenges to succeed in life, citing the likes of Mr Ontiretse Maidi of Radio Botswana who managed to establish himself as a notable presenter despite being visually challenged. 

Ms Phaladi also told students to not sit back and wait for opportunities but rather go out and look for them or create to succeed.

“I have met a lot of prominent people and professionals in different forums in my career as a development practitioner, and despite having a few connections I still wake up every day and look for opportunities. I don’t sit back and say because I have connections, opportunities will bring themselves to my door step,” she said.

In her keynote address, Stanbic Bank Botswana head of compliance, Ms Shathani Mzwaligwa told the students that they should match their personalities with what they want to do in life. 

She further told them that for those who want to open up businesses, experience is vital.

When giving the objectives of the day, the principal education officer, Ms Mable Sekgwa said career fairs are important as they equip students with relevant information on different careers and their requirements. 

In her welcome remarks, Motswasele school head, Ms Segametsi Matlho said the education ministry is concerned by poor academic results and as a result they came up with a strategy through the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (ETSSP) called Pathways to try to address the declining academic results. 

She said the programme which will be introduced next year, is intended to assist students looking at their competencies.ENDS