14 Apr 2026

Discipline has been identified as a critical driver of academic success, with stakeholders emphasising that character and behaviour remain central to achieving excellence among learners.

The emphasis comes as Tsodilo Junior Secondary School in Maun rolls out a week-long boot camp targeting about 450 Form Three students, aimed at strengthening discipline and preparing them for their Junior Certificate examinations.

Conducted by Leaders Boot Camp Training Institute, the programme focuses on character development, self-awareness and responsibility as key pillars that support academic performance.

Chairperson of Leaders Boot Camp Training Institute, Mr Mosalagae Setofane, said the training was designed to monitor, teach and coach students, enabling them to take ownership of their conduct and future.

He said academic excellence cannot be sustained without discipline, noting that good behaviour remained a fundamental requirement for success.

Mr Setofane further stated that by the end of the camp, students are expected to have identified their talents and developed the capacity to maximise their potential.

Speaking at the official opening, Tsodilo JSS alumnus (Class of 1994), recently, Dr Gaerolwe Masheto encouraged learners to embrace challenges as steppingstones towards achievement.

He urged students to actively participate in both academic and extracurricular activities, noting that such involvement played a significant role in shaping discipline and character.“We have been where you are and faced even greater challenges, but we chose perseverance and refused to let circumstances define us, and now the choice rests with you,” he said.

Director of Education for the North West Region, Mr Kegodile Mahudinga commended stakeholders for facilitating the initiative, describing it as a necessary intervention in a challenging socio-economic environment.

He said the investment made in students’ education required commitment and discipline in return.

“Many have invested their time and resources into your future, and you owe it to them and yourselves to make meaningful use of this opportunity,” he said.

Impact Manager at Chobe Holdings, Mr Ibo Madandume said discipline was a personal choice that must be cultivated from within, adding that decisions made at this stage of life had long-term consequences.

Tsodilo JSS school head, Mr Galalea Ntshonga said while external support was important, success ultimately depended on hard work and perseverance.

He urged students to remain focused and consistent in their preparation for examinations.

Parents were also encouraged to provide a conducive environment that supported effective learning in order for students to thrive in academic excellence.

The boot camp equipped students with both academic strategies and life skills that reinforce discipline, responsibility and resilience. ENDS