14 Nov 2019

Learners have been encouraged to believe in themselves with the knowledge that they are leaders of both today and the future.

First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi said this at an empowerment programme dubbed, ‘Nna ke Naledi’ (I am a star) where she spent more than eight hours with about 120 learners from Moshupa and surrounding villages.

The programme is aimed at empowering and instilling high self-esteem in boys and girls aged between eight and 18, so that they could develop and grow to become highly determined, disciplined people able to set excellent goals for their studies and future prospects. 

Ms Masisi said the emphasis was on the two concepts of self-awareness and goal setting. 

“You are the ones who determine your destiny. This means that you are all capable of being leaders and everything depends on you,” she said. 

Ms Masisi encouraged the pupils to dream big and recognise the star in each and every one of them. 

 “The aim is to further enhance your emotional intelligence, which is critical, especially at the work place, as it dwells on building relationships with others,” she said.

Other topics discussed in detail were self-belief and self-esteem, with the aim of helping pupils to follow their dreams and work towards setting their footprints and leaving behind outstanding legacies.

For her part, Southern District education officer, Ms Esaleone Kgopana acknowledged the First Lady’s contribution through the programme which she said could help transform the education sector.

“Ours is to mould them while they are still young as we have experienced that it is difficult to shape them when they are older,” she said. 

She said at the end of the workshop, the pupils would be different as they would have acquired new knowledge and skills. 

“Our hope is that they will impart the knowledge and skills and encourage others who were not present,” she said.

Ms Kgopana said they had gathered learners from Machana, Pitseng, Seherelela, Ralekgetho, all the schools in Moshupa including those of Moshupa Brigades. 

“This is a positive initiative, which will not only improve academic performance, but will also mould morals and shape the future of Botswana,” she said. 

Ms Kgopana expressed the hope that the first lady would consider providing advice and equipping those who handle learners so that they could continue with the spirit.

The project, sponsored by Lucara Botswana, is aimed at enriching learners to become life champions. Ends