13 Jun 2022

Botswana Examinations Council on Friday took time off their busy schedule to recognise 2020 Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) high fliers.

Best among the best 10 shining stars that caught the attention of the country’s examining body and graced the 12^th annual excellence awards ceremony was 14-year-old Kago Moremedi from Francistown’s Tagala Primary School.

She obtained position one out of the 10 top achievers.

In her appreciation speech, Kago said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, she did her best and that the support from teachers and parents aided her to perform exceptionally well.

The CEO of BEC, Dr Moreetsi Thobega congratulated the school children for the 2020 candidates, saying; “I extend a well-deserved congratulations to each of our 2020 school leavers.

I also congratulate the recipients of the special awards for exceeding the expected standards and achieving academic excellence.”

Dr Thobega continued, “As you move on to secondary school, I urge you to work hard, stay focused, and utilise the knowledge you acquired during your time at primary school to navigate your path.”

He explained that the recipients were supposed to receive their prizes in 2020, but COVID-19 lockdowns hindered the arrangements.

As such, the 2021 group will receive their awards later this year, said Dr Thobega, explaining that the trend would continue as such for years to come.

Debswana has also, since 2018, stepped in to partner with BEC to reward the best PSLE achievers.

Debswana representative Ms Agatha Sejoe, presented trophies and laptops from  her company. She said the diamond mining company had made a significant educational impact in many ways such as through Debswana scholarship programme, employee development programmes and support to other educational institutions.

“We believe that rewarding excellence and good performance at such an early age will inspire students to strive for the best, and a well-trained human capital is the foundation on which our economy can be built,” she said.

Ms Sejoe further encouraged recipients to keep working hard towards their dreams and become multiple award winners, not just for PSLE.

The country’s crème de la crème in the 2020 Primary School Leaving Examinations are:

Kago Moremedi from Tagala Primary School in Francistown, Gogontle Molalapata from John Phooko Primary School in Tonota, while Lesedi Phadi from Phaphane Primary School in Mochudi scooped position three out of 10 top achievers.

Others are Laura Molosiwa of Livingstone Primary School in Orapa, Deyse Molome from Ratladi Primary School in Bokaa, Machaneng Primary School’s Osenyeng Mmebe, Thero Rabotlhale from Tonota Primary Scool, Boago Moganetsi from Leetile Primary School in Mahalapye.

From Acacia Primary School in Jwaneng, Elsie Masware also scooped an award together with Ndiye Mafa from Marapong Primary School. ENDS