17 Sep 2018

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, has encouraged Rutwang Junior Secondary School (JSS) students to concentrate on their studies.

Mr Olopeng said this at Rutwang JSS prize giving ceremony in Tonota on September 14 where he said students’ primary objective should focus on their education and refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs.

He said government was concerned over the increasing rate of alcohol and  drugs abuse  by students in the country something he said was would affect their future.

“Drugs will never benefit you. Stop skipping important stages of lives in the pursuit of drugs alcohol and premarital sex. Focus on your studies, then later focus on finding work, savings and investments,” he added

Giving objectives of the day, Rutwang JSS school head Mr Kwenakgolo Tokwe explained that the event aimed  recognising excellent performance.

“This is an opportunity to reflect and show you how we are doing. We need to motivate the learner to do better and to achieve that we also have to motivate the facilitator,” he said

Mr Tokwe further said the school had over the years showed good performance in the final examinations; obtaining either first or second position in the region.

He however informed the minister that there was shortage of staff housing, indicating that currently there were 34 housing units expected to accommodate 76 staff members.

In response to Mr Tokwe’s concern, Mr Olopeng assured the school head that Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) has confirmed that 18 houses would be built in Tonota for public officers’ accommodation and hoped that it would  assist in alleviating shortage of accommodation.

Ms Keeletse Selete, an alumni of Rutwang JSS encouraged the students against allowing peer pressure "to turn them into something they were not  and be caureful of whom you choose as friends."

“Work hard and do not be discouraged by anything. Know your dream and work hard to achieve it. Do not concentrate on weaknesses, rather turn your weaknesses into strengths,” she added

She also urged parents to be more supportive of their children’s extracurricular activities as they could also prove to be worthy career paths. ENDS