11 Sep 2017

Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) has joined the list of companies who have heeded government’s plea to adopt schools and improve the standard of education in the country.

BSE has taken Kanngwe Primary School in the Southern District under its wing and has donated a photocopying machine, fax and school uniform.

Speaking at the official launch on Friday, Minister of Tertiary Education, Research and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele said the donation was a crucial resource of teaching and learning in today’s world of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs).

The minister applauded BSE and stated that the adopt-a-school initiative had assisted government since inception in 2011.

The move is an effort to improve the school’s declining results.

Dr Madigele said the relationship gave the company an opportunity to understand the school’s system of strengthening and improving its programmes.

The adoption, he said, was a chance to experience and create a platform of learning for teachers and pupils.

He said since the ministry was faced with numerous challenges, the gap could be closed by the private sector.

Dr Madigele, who is also area MP, decried the shortage of classrooms, stationery and teaching aids and appealed to BSE to assist.

He expressed displeasure about teachers who refused transfers to rural areas.

The stock exchange chief executive officer, Mr Thapelo Tsheole said the company adopted the primary school to help mould pupils into good citizens.

The adoption, he said, would last three years, adding that the company was looking at improving the economy of the country.

Southern region education director, Mr Acro Maseko also applauded BSE for finding it necessary to play a role in the education system, and said he hoped the company would assist with other needs.

Mr Maseko said the initiative would improve their working conditions and ultimately the overall performance of the school.

Kgosi Daniel Mathiba of Mmathethe appreciated the effort and encouraged other companies to emulate BSE.

The school head, Ms Kesetsenao Bojase said the school enrolment stood at 92 pupils and had not been performing well due to pupils absconding from school. Ms Bojase also said dysfunctional families contributed to the school’s bad performance.

She said the village’s geographical location was a disadvantage because pupils lacked exposure. BOPA