04 Mar 2014

Kweneng councillors have expressed mixed feelings over the introduction of reception classes by the Ministry of Education Skills and Development.

The varying remarks came against the backdrop of council chairman, Motlhophi Leo’s announcement that in the coming financial year, nine primary schools would introduce reception classes in the district.

While some councillors applauded the move, some expressed misgivings over the long term effects that the move might have on the rural community. Councilor Lady Pule hailed the initiative saying it strengthened primary education by introducing children to formal schooling at an even younger stage.

She, however, anticipated “several” challenges brought about by the initiative. “There are Batswana who have been providing reception classes as a source of income, so I wonder how they are going to survive since now their customers are going to flock government classes,” she said.

She added that it was going to take a long way for such kinds of businesses to finally survive. Councilor Alfred Motau of Mmakgodi South also expressed his concern wondering whether the initiative will work because of the current situation of the primaries and secondary schools.

“If the existing schools lack a lot of facilities and implementations to better the education and the school environments, then I am confused as to how the reception classes will be able to make it,” said councilor Motau.

He said there were so many challenges pertaining to the reception classes because special equipment is required. Unlike the other schools, he said, the little ones will need classrooms full time.

Ratotoboro ward councilor Cedric Mathwanye noted that education was critical to the development and the economy of the county. What worried him, he said, was how prepared was the Ministry of Education Skills and Development together with parents and relevant stakeholders in implementing the initiative.

Mathwanye further pointed out that reception students were more expensive than others, hoping nonetheless that the move will eventually bear fruit.

Council chair had mentioned in his speech that the initiative was progressing well albeit with a financial challenge as the council did not have a budgetary provision to cater for some of the requisite resources and facilities modification.

The council chairperson said efforts will be made to secure funds and direct them towards facilities modification in all the nine schools. ENDS