29 May 2020

With only a few days left for schools to open doors, a lot is being done to ensure schools adhere to all health protocols for COVID-19.

However, some will not be able to accommodate all learners as shortage of classrooms has proven to be a serious challenge.

Touring schools in Lentsweletau/Mmopane constituency this week, area MP, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja was told that there was a serious shortage of classrooms for other learners who would be coming to school later in the month.

Tau Mmanthe Primary School head, Ms Milo Morapedi said although the school was ready to receive Standard Seven pupils next week, over 800 other pupils would be without classrooms.

She also said given the tight schedule for Standard Seven pupils, they would not shift.

At Motswakhumo Junior Secondary School, Mr Edwin Dipatane said a lot had been done to put the school in a better shape for reopening such as fumigating classrooms and hostels.

The school principal told Ms Makwinja, who is also Assistant Minister of Basic Education, that they were 95 per cent ready for Form Three’s.

He, however, said learners would bath outside because the school did not have funds to build proper ablution facilities.

He also noted that they were going to experience a challenge when other pupils returned because the Form Threes would have occupied all the 10 classes in the school.

He further stressed that there was need for extra porta cabins in order to accommodate all learners.

For her part, Ms Makwinja expressed gratitude to all involved in preparing schools to reopen, saying a lot of schools had made progress in terms of compliance. 

She said some schools such as Gakutlo Primary School had made notable strides.

She acknowledged that the shortage of classrooms was a big challenge, but said most schools had been facelifted and in good shape.

She also assured parents and learners that all efforts would be made to make the learning environment conducive. ENDS