05 Dec 2018

Villagers who contributed to the opening of Tawana Primary School in Ditlharapeng have been praised for their self-reliance.

Speaking during a joint 50^th anniversary and prize giving ceremony at the school recently, retired educationist Dr Patrick Molutsi said Ditlharapeng’s major farmers did not confine themselves to farming, but contributed to their children’s education, which he said was a piece of history that should be archived.

He urged the parents to continue the legacy left by the elders to ensure that the upcoming generation acquires education.

Dr Molutsi applauded the parents for their immense contribution in ensuring that the school excelled by providing assistance.

He suggested the establishment of night classes, where out of school students who did not proceed to secondary school, can do vocational studies.

Through this initiative, he said, the unemployed youth, who roam the streets and engage in criminal activities and unwanted behaviour, would have an opportunity to equip themselves with skills and redeem themselves.

Dr Molutsi said poverty is not lack food or water, but it is what one instills in his or her mind that he or she does not have the ability to do something.

Motivating the pupils, Ms Segomotso Maroba of the class of 1968, stressed that though poverty was a challenge, it should not deter them from thinking and learning.

She said in their day, they did not have the privilege of basic needs such as school uniform and shoes, but they still worked hard.

She said when teachers punished them, they did not perceive that as abuse, but as a demonstration that they cared for them and wanted a bright future for them.

Ms Maroba said it was upon one to determine his or her success, regardless of parental or lack of parental support, urging the pupils to motivate themselves. 

For her part, school head, Ms Dikeledi Mojadife, thanked the founders of the school for their efforts and selflessness.

She said the school was result  oriented as it believed that every child could learn and this confirmed by the good performance of the school, saying in 2016 it registered 73.3 per cent and 95.5 per cent ABC in 2017.

She attributed the achievement to the involvement of stakeholders such as teachers and parents.

The school was established in 1968, led by a committee comprising of mainly village elders.

The first standard one class was conducted under a tree before a mud hut classroom was built, but now the school has modern infrastructure. ENDS