13 Jan 2026

The morning drizzle did little to dampen the spirits of eager parents, umbrellas in hand, as they trudged through the gates of Our Lady of the Desert Primary School in Francistown's Area W. Inside, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and anxiety.

In the reception classes, tiny faces told tales of bravery and bewilderment. Some children wailed, clutching their parents' hands, while others sat stoically, eyes wide with wonder.

The heavy downpour had failed to deter parents from securing a spot for their little ones, and the school was abuzz with activity. At the heart of it all was School Head,  Ms Mildah Isaac, overseeing the chaos with a warm smile.

"It was a typical first day. We had a lot of parents coming in, looking for spaces for their children. But this year, we were better prepared," she said, suveying the scene.

To manage the influx, the school had introduced a new system, where parents fill out forms and wait for a callback regarding admission.

Classrooms at Our Lady of the Desert are intimate, designed for 25 students at most. Yet, demand often outstrips supply, and Ms Isaac acknowledged the strain. "Sometimes we go beyond the number, and it can be tough on everyone," she said.

Despite the challenges, the school makes it work, with three reception classes taking up to 30 pupils each.

As the day unfolded, the tears dried, and the laughter began. Another academic year had kicked off, and for these young learners, the journey had just begun. BOPA