26 Jan 2022

The poor performance of primary schools in the Sefhare/Ramokgonami constituency has been attributed to parents’ lack of interest and participation in  children’s learning process.

Residents of Sefhare and Matlhako raised the concern during kgotla meetings addressed by Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang.

Dr Gobotswang said out of the 16 primary schools in the constituency only four schools managed to reach the target pass rate of 80 per cent in Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) that has been set by the Ministry of Basic Education and Skills Development.

He indicated that Sefhare Primary School obtained 52.3 per cent while Matlhako Primary School got a 60.6 per cent pass rate in the 2021 PSLE. Oother schools performed near the same marks.

However, the legislator commended Ngwapa Primary School for obtaining 100 per cent pass rate in the 2021 PSLE results.

He said despite challenges the school faced, and its location it still did well.

He said the school's performance was proof that teamwork between teachers, parents and the community at large produced good results. The area MP said parents had the responsibility of playing a role in their children’s education and upbringing process.

He said a school's performance was determined by the learning environment, teachers efforts and parents participation in their children’s education.

He argued that teachers had too much work having to carry out their teaching obligations on the one hand and also playing the role of parents on the other.

Dr Gobotswang said that it was imperative that parents took up the responsibility of making sure that children attended school well prepared, clean and presentable.

He said issues raised at the meeting were that some parents left their children to work at nearby farms adding this was a concern that had to be addressed.

The MP also touched on the state of schools in the constituency noting that classrooms were dilapidated and required maintenance. He added that school furniture also needed maintenance.

The legislator said this would have a positive result in that a good teaching and learning environment motivated children to attend school and for teachers to look forward to doing their work.

He called on the area councillor and Village Development Committee to consider utilising some of the P10 million constituency development fund to refurbish classroom furniture.

Dr Gobotswang encouraged the schools to liaise with the Prisons Department to get student desks and chairs repaired at a reasonable price.

On other issues, Dr Gobotswang noted that the water pipeline project to villages in the constituency was ongoing, adding that while awaiting completion of the project, arrangement to avert shortage of water at the local hospital in Sefhare and clinics in villages in constituency must be made.

He implored the residents to abide by the COVID 19 protocols and encouraged them to take their booster shots when available. ENDS