05 Jan 2014

Ngamiland District leaders have commended the Ministry of Education Skills and Development for making strides in the education system and making the learning environment in the district more conducive.

They praised the education ministry during a breakfast meeting with leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate achievements in the district. The regional director, Mr Acronews Maseko informed them about the district achievements, which saw most schools performing exceptionally well in both academic and sports.

The gathering was also informed about the results of the 2013 Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE). One of the leaders from Batawana local authority, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo commended the director for a job well done noting that the meeting was the first to be held in the district.

He hailed the initiative as a good step in the right direction, saying it enabled them to appreciate challenges faced by the sector. He also said the forum provided them with an opportunity to see how best they could play their role to help mitigate the challenges. “We had been aware of the bad issues in schools but we are very pleased to learn that despite such evil issues there is a lot of progress”, he added.

The district commissioner, Ms Bernadette Malala said since 2005, the results were not pleasing hence the refusal of some teachers and officers to be transferred to the district.

She praised Mr Maseko for making a big difference in the district adding that the good achievement was an indication that teachers were happy despite few challenges which would be addressed. She said the education ministry had made efforts to make most schools facilities in the district more habitable. The ministry had also purchased 35 houses for teachers in Maun.

She said teachers played a crucial role in producing good results and moulding students into responsible citizens who could make informed decisions when they grow. Ms Malala noted that it was important to make teachers' working environment more conducive for them to produce the expected results.  Ms Malala called for collaboration between all stakeholders and support to the education ministry so that they continue to excel academically and in sport.

Earlier on, the director, Mr Maseko informed the gathering that they organised the meeting as they had realised that most people were not aware of what the ministry was doing. He said the district had made a lot of positive strides as indicated by the trophies won by schools. He said most schools made great achievements and in both academic and sports.

Mr Maseko also observed that there were some projects undertaken noting that the region had secured funding of around P7 million to renovate Maun Senior Secondary School. The funds would go towards the fencing and the water treatment plant and also maintain teachers houses.

Regarding the PSLE results, Mr Maseko informed the gathering that 3 914 pupils sat for PSLE from 67 primary schools and they have seen an improvement of pass rate.

 In addition he said the regional target was 76 per cent and about six schools performed above the target while 31 schools performed above 50 per cent and 25 below 50 per cent.

In order to improve the results, Mr Maseko said they had made a decision that all education personnel should visit schools starting January next year to appreciate challenges encountered adding that they would also intensify schools inspection. ENDS