26 Oct 2016

Dikgatlong primary school is situated 7km north of Lentsweletau in a small village bearing a similar name.

Though situated in the middle of Kweneng, the tiny village is dominated by Baherero who still uphold their culture as one would even see the women dressed in their long dresses with their big horn-like hats.

Despite the village also being populated by other tribal denominations, one would always feel the presence of Baherero more as their language is unique in the region.

The village’s primary school has over the years become its embodiment because of its academic excellence with residents talking about it everywhere they go.

For the past three years it has been managing a 100 per cent pass rate, a highly commendable effort by a school in a rural village.

The school has an enrollment of 125 students including the reception class. The love and happiness found in the school is a big sign that there is cooperation between the teachers, parents and students.

As one enters the school gate they are welcomed by its clean environment and discipline displayed by the students.

The school which opened its doors in 1990 has set a high standard for themselves which they are determined to maintain.

Last year it emerged victorious as they took position one in Kweneng, a feat that did not come as a surprise to the school head, Ms Keabadile Oaitse and her deputy,

Ms Malebogo Makhaya because they have always worked hard to ensure they produce good results.

“Since 2013, we have always been getting 100 per cent pass, so this is what we were expecting as we are working each day to produce excellent results,” said Ms Oaitse.

Ms Makhaya is adamant that they will continue achieving good results especially that the support of the parents is “amazing and humbling.”

“Parents are very supportive. We have challenges of resources in our school, but when we plead with them to assist with issues such as buying exercise books for the students, they are always willing to assist. This shows good cooperation,” she said.

Previous challenges that befell the school do not seem to have discouraged it from continuing to produce good results.

Recently during their prize giving ceremony, the guest speaker and former director of Botswana Accountancy College,  Mr Michael Lesolle commended the school for their outstanding performance for the past years stating that it shows the commitment and passion the teachers put in their work.

“This excellent performance shows how committed you are as teachers, and of course you can’t do it alone, hence the involvement of parents is very crucial,” he said.

Mr Lesolle, who pledged to adopt the school, talked of the importance of supporting small schools which are performing exceptionally well.

He said the support should not only be enjoyed by schools in towns and big villages.

“It is in such schools that we see a lot of talent especially as this school is a multi-cultural one. This is where a lot of diverse talent is found,” he said. ENDS