06 May 2019

Madisakwana Primary School in Tonota on May 3 celebrated its 95.23 per cent pass rate for the 2018 Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE).

The pass rate placed the school on position one out of 20 schools in the Tonota Sub-region.

A total of  44 pupils out of 84 obtained grade A, 21 obtained grade B while 15 obtained grade C. The remaining number of pupils got either Grade D or E. 

The achievement was appreciated by the area MP, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, also the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology.

He explained that teamwork between parents and teachers was the secret behind the good pass rate. He called upon other schools in the region to emulate Madisakwana primary. 

The school had been obtaining good results as far as 2016 with an overall pass rate of 81.01 per cent while in 2017 it got 98.4 per cent and last year they obtained 95.23 per cent.

The legislator further explained that government was worried by low pass rate through out the country, despite the education sector always being given the lions’ share of the budget. 

He said it was pleasing to see schools such as Madisakwana taking lead in primary school examination results in the region, an indication of commitment between the parents, teachers, Parents Teacher’s Association (PTA) and staff at the school. 

However, he said the pass rate should not discourage other schools in the region from performing well saying it challenged them to do their best.

He said government had taken a decision to transform the economy from a resource based to a knowledge-based economy. 

Mr Olopeng promised that he would continue to work hand in hand with all schools in the Tonota region for better results.

The legislator also said he would also make a follow up on the construction of a computer lab for the school which had been pending. 

“We can transform our economy if kids like these ones are taught technology early as now, he added”.

Mr Olopeng urged the PTA to broaden their mandate by working together with the teachers, political leaders such as Councillors and Dikgosi in the children’s upbringing.

In her welcome remarks, the school head, Ms Gomotsang Mosweswe, said the secret behind the success of the school was the cordial working relationship between teachers, parents and support staff coupled with pupils discipline. She promised better results this year, adding that “We want to see this school excel better every year”.

Former Madisakwana pupil of Class 1977, Mr Herbert Francis lauded the school for having moulded him into a responsible person. 

Mr Francis who had obtained A during his time likened education to a three-legged pot, which were the teachers, pupils and parents adding that if one of the three legs is missing, the pot cannot balance and cook well. 

Class of 2018 representative, Katlo Johannes encouraged the current pupils to work hard. 

Katlo, who could not contain her happiness in thanking her teachers said “Our teachers are the most powerful, strongest and most passionate people I have ever seen. They have taught and worked beyond their limits to ensure we pass” she added. ENDS