28 Feb 2018

Maun Senior Secondary School head, Mr Selebatso Modisaemang has said indiscipline amongst students was a major concern that calls for a holistic remedial measure.

She raised a concern when welcoming the Form fours and their parents during orientation noting that unacceptable behaviour displayed by students was worrisome as it contributes negatively to academic performance of the students.

She called on parents to join hands with the school management to mould students into responsible citizens adding that parents should be seen playing a  role in the learning system as key stakeholders.

In addition, she stated that the school was very unique amongst other public schools as it is a missionary facility and led by pastors hence the students should be exemplary as far as discipline was concerned.

“Students here should consider themselves very lucky as they are led by qualified pastors who are here to advise and assist them as we had realised that some of our students are challenged emotionally,” she added.

Ms Modisaemang mentioned some factors that contributed to indiscipline as alcohol consumption and drug abuse. She stated that last year they experienced a lot of cases of the former Form fives  citing that about 15 students were caught in possession of drugs.

All were assisted through counseling sessions but out of 15, she said five abandoned school, two repented and refrained from engaging in drugs while eight continued with the unacceptable behaviour.

It was also reported that students do cut the school fence and sneak out to buy drugs from nearby tuck shops. In another scenario, the school head explained that last weekend after church in school, they discovered a place within the premises where a group of students met and indulged in drugs.

Ms Modisaemang revealed that they were shocked to find written rules at the place some saying “madi a ga a boele lwapeng’, weed very expensive;,cast for your lungs; no scuffs etc. Still at the place, she said they also found five litres of wine.

She said it was discovered that during break time, the group goes to the place which is their base as the matron caught some students drunk.

The gathering was also briefed about other challenges such as shortage of teachers especially for Physics subject.

For their part, parents assured the management of their support. They expressed shock with regard to the mentioned incidents and took turns to advice and motivate Form four students to take their education seriously to become better persons in future.

They said it was vital that teachers and parents unite and fight against this moral decay which was likely to ruin the lives of the youth, who are the future of Botswana.

Some parents urged students to be obedient to their teachers, parents and abide by their rules and regulations both at home and school and take their studies seriously to reap the benefits.

They advised students to understand their purpose in school which is learning and building a better future.

Maun secondary is a mission school led by the UCCSA church in Botswana and the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and with that people expect the facility to display high moral standard and perform exceptionally well as there were pastors within the school who conduct services for students. The school also has a clinic and a qualified nurse. Ends