27 Nov 2023

Pilikwe community and Pilikwe Primary School alumni on Friday celebrated the school’s 70^th anniversary.

Situated in the Sefhare/ Ramokgonami constituency, the school was established in 1953 by Kgosi Tshekedi Khama following the establishment of Pilikwe village.

Speaking at the celebrations, the Minister of Education and Skills Development Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said it was evident that Kgosi Tshekedi was pro-education as many other educational institutions in the region were established under his leadership and guidance.

One such institution, he said was Moeng College where a large number of national leaders, among them the former president Dr Festus Mogae, had graduated.

Dr Letsholathebe said Kgosi Tshekedi was also instrumental in the education of the founding president of the country Sir Seretse Khama.

He urged Pilikwe residents, alumni and current learners of the school to continue supporting Kgosi Tshekedi’s legacy as his ministry implemented Vision 2036 through which it aimed  to contribute to human social development. 

He said the village had a competitive advantage because of its learned people who could help in making right and informed decisions and ultimately improve the school’s performance.

Dr Letsholathebe said it was therefore befitting that the 70^th anniversary was celebrated under the theme: 70 years of Excellence and Beyond.

He said he was impressed that the Pilikwe Primary School former pupils continued to contribute to the improvement of the quality of education in the school. 

“The alumni have provided a photocopier to the school on a rental basis and they meet all the associated costs of maintenance of the copier to ensure that teaching aids are produced,” he said.

Dr Letsholathebe paid tribute to the former teachers of the school for laying a good foundation that everybody continued to ride on. He implored them to maintain the momentum so that the school continued to remain a centre of excellence.

“My gratitude also goes to the current teachers and staff members for their service to the nation,” he said.

He said despite the efforts that his ministry continued to make in the education system, they were concerned by learners’ indiscipline in schools, which he said had reversed the efforts made. He pleaded with parents to work together with the school to ensure a high level of discipline.

Kgosi Gasebalwe Seretse of Pilikwe expressed concern about the declining performance across all schools in the country.

He also pointed out that most school buildings were very old and needed to be renovated, adding that this was coupled with shortage of resources such as stationary. 

Pilikwe Primary School head Ms Baleseng Moseki appreciated the support of the alumni, the Village Development Committee, Parents and Teachers Association and parents. 

She said parents visited the school regularly to check pupils’ performance. ENDS