16 Jul 2019

The Assistant Manager of Spar Engen mall in Palapye has said his company chose to revive Sebeso Primary School horticultural project to promote farming and also instill the self-reliance spirit among the pupils.

Handing over a horticulture project to the school recently, Mr Tebagano Bagwasi whose company has adopted the school initiative said their intention was to generate interest in farming among the learners.

Spar also donated soccer, netball kits and setup goal posts at the school’s soccer ground.

Speaking at the event themed 'Stakeholder Partnership in Realizing Academic Excellence', Mr Bagwasi said agriculture sectors had many aspects that the pupils could venture into in future, thus promoting the self-reliance spirit.

“We want to inspire children to engage in agriculture and impart some knowledge and skills on how to start and manage a horticulture project,” he said.

Mr Bagwasi emphasised the importance of engaging children in agriculture at a tender age, saying such helped them identify the prospects within the diverse field.

He said such could promote self-employment, and discourage the mentality of aspiring to be  employed on completion of studies.

The assistant manager urged parents to join hands with teachers in the upbringing of children so raise desirable citizens..

Giving the project’s overview the school’s Senior Practical teacher, Ms Thatayotlhe George said since their union with Spar which commenced last year in June, they would be harvesting for the second time.

She said the harvest from the project was used to feed the students at the school.

Ms George commended Spar employees, adding that they played a topical role in the project, such as preparing the gardens, adding manure and fertiliser.

Ms George said such motivated the standard five pupils who were tasked with the project.  

Giving vote of thanks, Palapye Administration Authority  Education Secretary Ms Malebogo Rakgama said such partnerships were welcome  as the government could not manage alone hence the appeal to parastatals and private sector to assist.

She expressed gratitude to Spar management and staff for assisting one of the schools in the sub-district, saying the move was commendable as it would inspire students to develop an interest in farming at a young age.

She noted that the education department was aware of the challenges the school was facing such as shortage of classrooms noting that the school operated with 22 classrooms instead of  the normal 25 class rooms . Ends