29 May 2023

Some school heads in Ngami region have applauded government for improving infrastructure in their schools.

Through the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development embarked on a task to construct classroom blocks, toilets, teachers’ quarters at Legotlhwane, Toteng and Komana primary schools.

School heads expressed their appreciation in a random interview during a recent tour of the projects by the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Sethabelo Modukanele.

Legotlhwane school head, Ms Seinameng Ledimo, said the acute shortage of teacher accommodation and classrooms was a serious concern.

The infrastructure development, she said, had changed the face of the school even though the teachers’ houses were not enough as some married teachers find themselves in situations of sharing while some stayed in tents.

The school has an enrollment of 134 pupils with staff complement of 17. And government managed to construct four houses. 

Ms Ledimo acknowledged that the new classrooms would accommodate more pupils as compared to the tents, which only accommodated 13.

“We are very thankful that the new development would indeed provide a safer environment for teachers and pupils. The tents were very hot and we were forced to conduct some classes under trees,” she added.

Ms Ledimo further acknowledged that the developments would also enhance learning and teaching as well as motivate pupils to sustain a culture of academic excellence.

However, she mentioned some of the challenges such as lack of playgrounds and a modern kitchen and appealed to the ministry to look into the issues.

For her part, Komana School head, Ms Sophie Mogalakwe also appreciated the ministry's efforts to construct an additional classroom block and providing teachers with decent accommodation. 

Some teachers, she said, were forced to rent in the village while some commuted from Maun on daily basis and some found it harder to develop those rich learning experiences that left a lasting impact on pupils.

She pointed out that the school had a history of good performance, therefore she believed it would excel in this year’s examinations. 

Ms Mogalakwe said the ministry would continue to come up with remedies to promote a conducive learning environment in other schools and eventually improve in academic performance.

In his remarks, Assistant Minister Modukanele expressed gratitude that the projects had been completed noting that the developments were in line with the transformational agenda.

Through the agenda, he said they aimed to ensure projects were delivered on time to improve community livelihoods. 

“I am impressed with the projects as they are part of fulfilling government’s pledge to citizens. We will do our best to secure some information, communication and technology (ICT) gadgets and distributed in some schools to enhance learning and teaching,” he added.

Head of transformation at the ministry, Mr Wazha Tema said they had embarked on a transformation programme to improve public infrastructure including in government primary schools as well as to develop communities.

The projects in three schools, he said were implemented to the tune of P24 million as they wanted to invest in youngsters and ensure they have access to education.

 He also stated that they ensured that small construction companies within the localities of each project were awarded the works, adding ‘this had empowered the small businesses, also creating jobs in the process.’ ENDS