05 Oct 2016

 Strong bonds between parents and teachers are critical to learning environment and general education development.
Speaking during song, comedy, poetry and dance for schools in Kanye recently, Muslim Society of Botswana’s representative Mr Rashid Yassim said the onus was on parents and teachers to play an active role in development of students both academically and outside the classroom thus providing a holistic learning environment.
Mr Yassim applauded government for playing a pivotal role in ensuring access to basic education and affording every Motswana an opportunity for education, adding that educational facilities across the country proved that government was considering education as a pivotal device in both rural and urban development.
He said provision of tertiary education sponsorship was a commendable effort that bore testimony to government’s commitment to educating its people.
In an interview, Mr Pako Ramaselwana, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) chairperson for Kanye sub region, said their role was to provide a platform where teachers and parents could discuss issues relating to academic performance.
He said it was from this forum that the Kanye sub region PTA, made up of 34 schools that is 25 primary schools, eight junior secondary and one senior secondary schools as well as a brigade discuss issues relating to child development.
He said it was of paramount importance to have a system in which schools hosted prize giving ceremonies not only for exams but throughout the year to encourage the spirit of excellence in schools.
Mr Ramaselwana said the Kanye sub region also facilitated motivational talks and career guidance to students prior to examinations to thoroughly prepare them psychologically and to ascertain the level of readiness among students.
Commenting on parent participation in matters relating to students education Mr Ramaselwana urged parents to take be active  in their children’s academic and extramural education and not leave the burden to teachers, as this could be detrimental to their development and education.
Chief education officer for Kanye sub-region, Ms Maipelo Kesenye, said there was need to appreciate performing arts in schools and communities as they teach students various skills.
She said art was becoming a lucrative industry, therefore it should be taken seriously and needed to be taught in day to day syllabus. ENDS