26 Sep 2019

Former Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Ralotsia has urged parents to actively participate in their children’s education.

Speaking at Mathiba Junior Secondary School excellence awards, where pupils, teachers and support staff were recognised for their good performance recently, Mr Ralotsia noted that parents needed to take responsibility for their children’s education by paying school fees, monitoring their academic performance and disciplining them.

He decried the gap between the parents and teachers in moulding the pupils, adding that it was crucial for this gap to be closed as a way of addressing the challenges faced by learners, and preparing them for the future.

Mr Ralotsia said he was proud to be associated with any school, whose purpose was to improve education. He however indicated that the village leadership, business community and other stakeholders needed to come on board to contribute further towards the pupil’s performance.

He said through such partnership, he was optimistic that the pupils would perform better  academically.

“We should raise them to be responsible so that they can contribute positively in future towards the development of our country,” he said.

Mr Ralotsia commended the teachers for their role in the upbringing of the learners.

“Teachers should understand that they play a significant role in the upbringing of a child as they spend most of their time with them, hence becoming their role models,” he said.

He congratulated all the winners for their outstanding achievement and remarkable personal growth.

“We need to embrace and reward hard work.

I have no doubt in my mind that all achievers will continue to excel in the future and contribute to the development of our society, our nation and the world at large,” he said.

Mr Ralotsia further advised the pupils to prepare thoroughly and revise for their final exams, avoid alcohol and substance abuse and teenage pregnancy, through abstaining from sexual relations.

For his part, Principal education officer from Kanye Education Centre, Mr Kinsten Kedumele said Mathiba JSS was one of the best performing schools in the district.

He indicated that initiatives were put in place with the aim of improving learners’ performance such as study camps, study groups and consultation sessions.

He shared that all pupils who attained 80 per cent in their respective subjects were going to be awarded.

As a way of encouraging teachers, those who had first class pass in their respective subjects were also awarded.

He implored parents to encourage their children to study during school holidays, with the understanding that the mid-term break is meant for them to study. Ends