02 Jun 2020

 The Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Lemogang Kwape has said Kanye schools have generally prepared well and are in compliance with the COVID-19 regulations, save for a few hiccups.

 

Speaking in an interview with BOPA on Tuesday after he toured schools in Kanye to appreciate their readiness as they opened for Standard Seven, Form 3 and Form 5 pupils, he commended the school management teams for their innovative ideas to cater for the new regulations, despite budgetary constraints.

 

He said in schools such as Ngwaketse Junior Secondary, they had markings in classrooms to promote social distancing as well as demarcating the school hall to create more classroom space.

 

Minister Kwape also noted that Mookami Junior Secondary had provided teachers with face shields to be used during lessons to make communication easier.

 

However, Dr Kwape noted that there were still some delays in schools such as Segopotso primary, which had a Special Education Unit and their social distancing capacity was less than the total enrolment and therefore had a challenge to work around the clock to ensure compliance before the rest of the pupils resume classes.

 

For her part, Ngwaketse Junior School Ms Peggy Maboa said even though there were some areas that were lagging behind, she was optimistic that they will finish in time for the rest of the classes schools re-opening.

 

She noted that their priority was to prepare for the six Form 3 classes who had to open early and therefore the two water sites currently operational were adequate.

 

Ms Maboa noted that plans were underway to maintain the dilapidated toilets, which had been out of operation and that the students had been using pit latrines due to water shortage experienced in Kanye in the past, but they had started maintaining the water system toilets to be ready by June 16.

 

Additionally, Ms Maboa said the school had bought material for the Home Economics department to make face masks for all students, something which she said will ensure uniformity.

 

She also applauded the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) for contributing face shields to be used by teachers.

Ketumile/Edited/02062020.