01 Nov 2017

Moshupa Sub-Council chairperson, Mr Sonny Phiri says the Ministry of Basic Education plans to open satellite schools at Bikwe and Machana for Standard One to Three.

Mr Phiri said this in his opening speech of the last session of the Moshupa sub-council on Monday. He said the schools were expected to be operational by January 2018.

He noted that in Bikwe a church has offered its building to be used to cater for learners. As for Machana, Mr Phiri said a nine hectare plot has been earmarked for the construction of the school.

Mr Phiri said the ministry continued to source funding and support from various stakeholders in line with the adopt a school policy.

However, the council chairperson expressed disappointment about the rising number of schools drop outs, saying  seven out of 24 were pregnancies. He added that it showed that pupils engaged in unprotected sexual activities despite the promotion of abstinence in schools.

He, however, praised this year’s Standard 7 class, saying it had successfully completed the primary school leaving examinations without any incident of indiscipline.

“We are also expecting improved results in regard to ongoing secondary schools examinations given prior robust preparations by schools.

Councillor Phiri, who is a councillor for Magotlhwane ward, also explained that in the quest to improve education in public schools, 20 teachers had gone for further studies to pursue diploma and degree programmes.

Out of the 20, councillor Phiri said nine were deputy school heads who were pursuing degrees in education management.

He said temporary teachers had been engaged, adding that in some cases, officers would act on the posts until the incumbents returned from further studies.

Meanwhile, Mr Phiri applauded the business community and individuals who support education, explaining that schools in the sub region had received financial and material donations valued more than P50 000. 

He said such donations, together with the adopt-a-school initiative, would go a long way in facilitating public and private sector participation in the delivery of quality education in public schools. BOPA