20 Jun 2017

His personal conviction is that there is still hope for the school to produce exceptionally great results only if all stakeholders can get the equation and the method correct.

According to Thatayaone Gabonangaka, a former teacher and author of the book, Student Power and Potential,  the key secret ingredient is in the student power and potential that can only be unleashed through mindset changing.

The 29-year-old Gabonangaka, who hails from Maun, says having traversed the journey of education as a student and a teacher at Mariba Junior Secondary School for four years, he felt compelled to formulate an instrument that would help address the problem of declining academic results in schools.

The idea gave birth to an instrument in the form of a book titled Student Power and Potential in which he inspire and motivates students that key steps to greatness were at every students’ fingertips.

The book is one of the projects by Trans-Edu (Pty) Ltd which exists to provide and empower inspirational and transformational education to humanity. A company founded by this young educational entrepreneur.

“I’m a stern believer that young people are future of the world hence the best investment any nation can make is to empower children for greatness and freedom. The book will direct students to achieve the mindset which can help them to unleash their true potential,” he said.

He disclosed that writing the book was motivated by three reasons; his quest to make students understand that school was an opportunity where they could tap on their potential and discover their talents.

He also pointed out that he wanted to share with students what it takes to be successful as a student in the aspect of education.

“I believe that everything begins with words and writing so I wanted to cultivate and instill the culture of reading into students and parents, on the backdrop of the country’s transformation from a resource based to a knowledge based economy,” Gabonangaka said.

The book that was published last year, is intended to help the student have a vision or have a broader perspective of life.

It is a practical, self-help instrument that has tasks that one can undertake as they read.

It is aimed at building or molding the student or the readers’ character and it resonates and relates to the life of different age groups; students, parents and teachers.

“In the past it was just normal for a person to go through the school system, get a job, settle down and live happily ever after. Nowadays, that kind of pattern only happens in the world of cartoons. Reality at present, requires one to be courageous, patient, take time to plan your life and seriously think about the career you want to follow. Choose a career based on your talents, abilities and passion,” he said.

He listed some barriers that one needs to look out for while pursuing their vision, and top of the list he mentioned fear, the environment, poor self-image and mindset.

He said no matter how well resourced and state of the art a physical learning environment was to the student, if their minds were not empowered enough they will always fail in anything they do.

He insisted that the bad behavior and bad habits of students was simply a manifestation of a chaotic, fearful and doubtful mind.

He advised that students must establish their visions or dreams.

Next step is to establish their purpose or know what was expected of them at school such as discipline, studying hard, doing research.

The third step was to draw their life plan beyond just school timetable. It should include their career plans among other things.

Next is to research about the dream beyond schooling.

He maintained that a plan was as good as nothing if one does not act on it.

 “The peak of it all is to work-out your plan. Set goals and work towards achieving them. What you constantly need to keep in mind is that you are the future. Yes, you are the future of your country in so many ways.” BOPA