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16 Mar 2023

In order to handle contemporary challenges, the 21st-century learner needs to be equipped with soft skills hence the birth of Nna Ke Naledi programme. 

“Twenty-first-century learning is a development of highly valuable skills set for the future. This 21st-century learner should have the critical thinking, be able to communicate, collaborate and be creative,” said First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi at Matsiloje Junior Secondary School on Wednesday. She said Nna Ke Naledi, one of her flagship programmes, was aimed at preparing and developing pupils for the future by equipping them with relevant skills during the formative years of eight to 18. 

The life skills include self-worth, exposure to do work, simulate collaboration, public speaking, ability to embrace divergent views and develop leadership skills. Learners were informed that the drive to excel in life was incumbent upon them. 

“We want to see these young people thrive into young adults with dreams that will contribute to the upliftment of themselves, their communities and the nation,” she said and urged pupils to start perceiving themselves as global citizens. Soft skills, according to the first lady, put learners in good stead to secure employment as the job market was looking for problem solvers and emotionally intelligent individuals. 

So far, the programme has imparted life skills to learners in Kasane, Molepolole and Moshupa. 

Besides drawing from some of the aspirations of Vision 2036, the programme is also in line with one of the Sustainable Development Goal aimed at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. 

Area MP and Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe expressed happiness that Ms Masisi had planted a seed that would sprout and bring the best out of children. He concurred with the first lady that soft skills were paramount if today's young people were to make it in life. 

“There is nothing that can make people equal than education,” he said, emphasising that as the portfolio minister, he remained unflinching in his solemn vow to turn the education sector around. In an interview with BOPA, Ms Onneetse Simane, a guidance and counselling teacher at Matshelagabedi Primary School, said she was ecstatic about the programme. “What the First Lady is doing will help make pupils more assertive and take responsibility for their lives going forward,” she said. 

A Matsiloje Junior Secondary School Form One pupil, Natasha Changungoni, said the platform had boosted her self-confidence and that she was now in charge of all her future prospects. 

Earlier, Kgosi Eric Moipolai of Matsiloje had waxed lyrical about what he termed the sterling job the first lady was doing in an effort to develop young people. 

He requested that the Nna Ke Naledi sessions be held virtually in order for out-of-school youth to benefit. 

Matshelagabedi, Matsiloje and Matopi primary school pupils as well as Matsiloje Junior Secondary School learners participated in Wednesday’s session. Ends