A strategy to support system, pioneered by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly has been rolled out at Ikageng Junior Secondary School in Metsimotlhabe, to bolster performance toward improved results.

Ms Helen Manyeneng said steps must be taken to ensure learners adequately prepare for their final examinations.

Ms Manyeneng, who is also Member of Parliament of Mmopane/Metsimotlhabe Constituency unveiled the learner performance support initiative, which will be delivered in the form of tutorials, at a parents’ workshop on Monday.

“This tutoring programme is a partnership between the school, university volunteers, and parents. The school provides structure, volunteers provide academic support, and parents provide supervision. If all partners work together, real change will be achieved,” she said.

Following the school’s poor academic results of last year, the Deputy Speaker emphasised the need to convene parents, teachers and all other concerned stakeholders to restore confidence in the learners’ performance.

Ms Manyeneng was adamant that the tutoring school programme represent a significant step toward enhancing educational outcomes and providing learners with the tools they need to succeed academically.

“This comprehensive initiative is supported by four tertiary school tutors and will cover core subjects which are vital for students to progress to form 4. 

The subjects included are Mathematics, Science, English and Setswana,” she said.

University of Botswana Student Representative Council (SRC) deputy president and programme facilitator, Mr Modiri Motshegwe said the pilot project was to start with Ikageng JSS Form 3 learners.

Mr Motshegwe said their intention was not to burden the parents with extra costs, such as transportation fees; hence learners will receive tutoring during study time.

Mr Motshegwe further noted that the initiative has been well received by teachers, many of whom have expressed their relief and gratitude.

He highlighted that teachers have found the programme to be beneficial, as it will provide much-needed support and guidance during a period when some learners felt uncertain and unprepared in their studies.

One of the tutors, Lesego Ramothala, a final year UB student in Mechanical Engineering, added that they would provide mentorship to Form 3 learners covering study skills, reading techniques and career guidance.

Thamaga/Mogoditshane sub-region Chief Education Officer, Ms Margaret Koko attested that indeed the Ikageng CJSS grades were less than the region’s targeted 40 per cent junior secondary school performance rate.

However, she stated that under project Bula Buka, which allows students to re-write exams for form 4 admission, only 56 out of the 256 JCE graded D students in the region were included in the learner profiling.

She commended MP Manyeneng and the community for the initiative and expressed optimism about its future and improved results.ENDS