20 May 2024

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development in the Tonota Sub Region recently recognised the outstanding achievements of top-performing students and staff during an excellence award ceremony held at Shashe River School last Friday. 

Chief Education Officer of Tonota Sub Region, Ms Wanani Gunda, highlighted that the sub-region comprises 23 primary schools, six junior secondary schools, one senior secondary school, and one college of education.

She noted that academic performance in Tonota sub-region consistently surpassed the average, with primary schools achieving over 70 per cent for the past five years. Ms Gunda mentioned that school performance ranges from 70 to 94.8 per cent, with low-performing schools falling between 40 and 50 per cent. The purpose of the event was not only to recognise schools excelling despite challenges but also to emphasise the importance of maintaining strong relationships with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to nurture globally competitive learners. 

The guest speaker, Mr Sabelo Matikiti, Human Capital Manager at Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd, emphasised  the pivotal role of education in development and the significance of investing in it for individual and community empowerment. 

He applauded the academic excellence awards for promoting a culture of hard work among students and teachers, urging the continued celebration of collective achievements within the Tonota sub-region. 

“It is a moment for all parents and teachers here to witness their children being appreciated for their effort and hard work”, he added.

Recognising the event as a testament to valuing students and human capital, Mr Matikiti encouraged the leadership to continue hosting such ceremonies and introduce innovative awards that recognised behaviours driving educational advancement.

“The awards ceremony stands not only as a recognition of individual and school achievements but also as a celebration of the collaborative spirit thriving in the Tonota Sub Region,” he said.ENDS