14 Feb 2021

Ngepeetjike Ngaruka of Tsodilo Junior School in Maun credits passion and commitment for his exceptional performance in the Junior Certificate exams.

Ngepeetjike got straight As in nine subjects, making him the best Form Three pupil in the entire country.

The achievement prompted the school to organise an appreciation ceremony in his honour, on Thursday, where the 17-year-old shared that he gave all subjects equal attention.

“I was at the cattle post during lockdown and I did not have my books, but soon as classes resumed, I gave my studies my all,” Ngepeetjike recalled.

His schoolling journey started at Boseja Primary School in Maun in 2011, then continued at Segomotso Primary School in Selebi Phikwe. He later transferred back to Maun at Kubung Primary School where he did Standard 5 to 7.

He recalled that his cousin was his revision mate and also used the study time to revise in class even when his classmates were playing.

“I knew what I wanted and was determined to pass. I urge other pupils to do their school work with passion and love to realise desired results,” he said.

Like any young person, Ngepeetjike has a dream and his is to become a doctor.

His mother, Ms Kavaenene Ngaruka described her son as an obedient child, who was committed to his studies.

Ms Ngaruka said the role of a parent was to encourage their children and she did exactly that with Ngepeetjike by urging him to put more effort post lockdown, which robbed learners of their school time.

Ngepeetjike’s father, Mr Zan Ngaruka said good grades were synonymous with his children because Ngepeetjike’s older siblings also obtained first class at junior school level.

He urged parents to encourage children to focus on the positives as well as cooperate with teachers.

Ngepeetjike’s class teacher, who was also his Setswana teacher, Ms Bareng Marorwane observed that he showed commitment during his time at Tsodilo and gave all subjects equal attention.

The school head, Ms Bena Moseki said Ngepeetjike’s performance was a motivation to Tsodilo pupils to do well. Ends