25 Jun 2024

Devising targeted interventions to enhance educational performance is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.

The statement was made by Kgalagadi South MP, Mr Sam Brooks during the Ministry of Education’s excellence awards ceremony in Tsabong.

Mr Brooks expressed concern about the decrease in Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) results from 22 per cent in 2019 to 17.8 per cent in 2023, particularly at Tsabong Unified Senior Secondary School. He emphasized the importance of implementing focused interventions to elevate these results.

He acknowledged the dedication of educators who have been working tirelessly to identify areas of improvement in BGCSE performance and implement tailored intervention programmes.

This, he said included providing targeted support, academic counseling, and mentorship for Junior Certificate Examination (JCE) students.

Additionally, collaborating with successful alumni and community volunteers for mentorship, supporting new teachers, and enhancing school governance and financial management practices were also  highlighted as strategies to improve academic outcomes.

MP Brooks also recognised the consistent performance of Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) category ABC pass rates in the region, which have remained stable between 64 per cent to 68 per cent since 2019.

He applauded the improvement in JCE results and ABC pass rates, noting the successful efforts to enhance student performance, particularly in 2022.

The theme: Cultivating Innovative Minds: From Knowledge to Action for 21st-century Excellence’ underscores the government’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and practical application of knowledge in the education sector.

MP Brooks awarded two heifers to the best-performing male and female students in the 2024 BGCSE results as a token of appreciation.

Mr Gotlamang Oitsile, the president of Botswana Federation of Public, Private, and Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU), commended Ms Maipelo Kesenye, the director of operations in the Kgalagadi region, for her efforts in strengthening relationships with unions and addressing staff welfare issues effectively.

This has contributed to improved results and reduced queries across the region.

Ms Kesenye, in turn, recognised the dedication of staff in shaping young minds and commended students for their hard work and achievements.

She highlighted the collaborative efforts of community leaders in enhancing performance and stressed the importance of joint stakeholder involvement. Makgakgane Primary was awarded the director’s award for maintaining a consistent PSLE AB pass rate of 60.5% since 2019.

Kang Primary school head teacher Mr Mr Boago Sebobi was rewarded for initiating and spearheading BORAVAST cluster excellence awards, chief education officer, Ms Margaret Koko was rewarded for being instrumental in organising excellence awards and an all-rounder who ensured efficiencies.

An auto electrician Mr Boti Villander for exuding excellence in service delivery.

Kgalagadi regional operations, principal education officer Mr John Tlhabano announced that the awards were for those who performed as per the set regional target.

Mr Lefhika Swapo of Matsha Community School was awarded 2023 BGCSE overall best student, Ms Emeriah Jonas of Kgolagano Junior Secondary School scooped overall best student under the JCE 2023 while Ms Refilwe Matlhare of Nhake Primary School scooped 2023 PSLE overall best student in the region.

As for those who were enrolled for Special Education, Mr Tlhabano said under the Pre-Vocational category, Monkgomotsi Burger of Makgakgane Primary School was a cut above the rest, Wisdom Mabebe of Nhake Primary School scooped Early Stimulation award, while Ketso Patikego of Mahusane Primary School scooped best in Academics award.

Teachers were also rewarded for excellence, Mr Poloko Letlotlo of Rapplespan Primary School was awarded a meritorious award for attaining 100 percent quality pass on AB.

For Art at Lehututu Junior Secondary School Mr Bongwefela Lesetedi received overall best teacher, while Matsha College Art and Design teacher Mr Ompatile Sebuelo emerged as best overall teacher under the BGCSE 2023 category

Rapplespan Primary was rewarded for attaining 100 percent quality pass and overall best primary school, Lehututu Junior Secondary School was overall best school, while Matsha College scooped an award for best Senior Secondary School in the region.

Parents and teacher association regional chairperson Mr Mabego Lesedi appreciated all stakeholders for participating and encouraged parents to make it a point to actively partake in their children’s education. ENDS