07 Nov 2022

Former Shoshong Senior Secondary School learners, dubbed Class of 1999, has refurbished the school park, as a way of appreciating the environment they were groomed at.

Speaking at the school on Friday, Class of 1999 chairperson, Ms Eileen Sebeo said before embarking on the project, they did a needs assessment, in collaboration with the school management.

She said they identified inadequate school mattresses, needy pupils, lack of signage, lack of entertainment and relaxation activities in the school as well as shortage of classes, making it difficult for learning to take place.

She added that they picked the park project to try to improve the learners’ psychological welfare through entertainment and relaxation activities.

Ms Sebeo said the project would also help to address the impact of shortage of classrooms and pupils would use the park as an outdoor learning area.

“Our project activities include refurbishing an outside recreational space and use it profitably for students benefits, providing entertainment equipment for students and face-lift the main entrance and administration block,” she said.

She said they installed eight sets of concrete chairs and tables, planted trees in the park and at the face of administration block.

The former learners also installed the school main entrance signage as the current one was very old.

Ms Sebeo said the whole project cost about P50 000, expressing hope that pupils would benefit from the gift. She acknowledged those who donated towards the project and promised to keep on improving the school.

She said the main objective  of group, which was birthed in 2014, was to assist in the advancement of culture and education to achieve excellence at all levels in Shoshong senior community.

She said it started giving back in 2019, by sponsoring the prize giving day with laptops worth P15 000, adding that they also bought a Public Address System, which would be used during the entertainment days and for communication purposes.

For his part, Mahalapye Sub-District deputy district commissioner, Mr Edson Malebane applauded Class of 1999 for giving back to their former school, saying the project would have a lasting impact within the school community.

Mr Malebane encouraged the group to keep up the spirit of giving, stating that volunteering was not an easy thing, but showed dedication in an effort better the world.

He said the initiative demonstrated maturity and leadership qualities amongst the Class of 1999 and it further showed drive, integrity and a sense of belonging to the Shoshong senior school citizenry.

He urged the Class of 1999 to engage the younger student community to have the spirit of volunteerism. 

He also stated that giving was a virtue one might forget, but those that you extended the gesture to would treasure it for the longest time of their lives.

“You have definitely embraced the pillar of the caring nation and I am so proud of you,” he said.

Mr Malebane further stated that the cream of individuals like Class of 1999 should not be the last to be produced by Shoshong Senior.

On behalf of the school management, Senior Teacher for Development Studies, Mr Otlaadisa Ramotshudi expressed gratitude to Class of 1999, saying the school appreciated the gifts and promised that they would keep them in a good condition at all times.

Mr Ramotshudi said the park would benefit the school, which would be used not only for hosting events there, but boarding pupils would relax there during weekends.

He stated that they would continue moulding learners to be responsible adults, who would have a positive impact in the community. ENDS