09 Feb 2014

Councillors have called upong the Kweneng District Council to set up a task team to investigate causes of poor results in all schools in the district.

Councillors said during a sub-district council meeting that it was important to come up with measures that would improve the performance of schools in the Kweneng District. They described the 2013 results as a 'sad state of affairs'.

They said schools needed to be visited and analysed on different issues because other schools had a small enrolment but still produced poor results. However, the councillors pointed out that shortage of facilities and poor learning environment could be possible causes of poor school results.

“Until everything is up to standard that’s when our schools will experience good results otherwise if pupils continue to be taught under trees where it’s windy and dusty as well as in dilapidated class rooms, we are stuck in the situation," Cllr Isaac Motlalekgosi of Boribamo East said.

In Borakalalo Primary School, some teachers asked for transfers because the environment was not welcoming and this led to shortage of teachers.

Cllr Kablay Shabir of Borakalalo said bad weather also had negative impact on the children’s ability to learn. Classes that are usually taught outside end up crowding the limited classroom during inclement weather.

Meanwhile, councillors said all stakeholders were to be blamed for the results of the pupils, adding that they, as well should make an effort in encouraging the retrieval of best results in their sub- district.

Cllr Virginia Leshomo said the council should appreciate the best performing schools by way of awarding prizes. She said remote area dweller children deserved special attention so that they, too, could improve their performance in school. ENDS