15 Sep 2024

 Teachers are the unsung heroes who shape young minds, instill values and ignite a passion for learning that lasts a long time.

Speaking during excellence awards for teachers under Bobirwa Sub Region, held under the theme: Enhancing Teacher Motivation Through Partnerships: Key to Educational Excellence, in Bobonong Friday, FMK Trust chairman, Mr Francisco Kgoboko lauded teachers for their unwavering dedication and hard work.

Mr Kgoboko, whose FMK Trust wholly sponsored the awards, said it was through partnerships that “we can create an environment where our teachers feel motivated, inspired and empowered to unleash their full potential. By investing in our teachers, by recognising their hard work and dedication, we not only enhance the quality of education but also pave the way for a brighter future for our children and our country as a whole,” he said. 

The FMK Trust chairperson said it was through partnerships and collective efforts that educational excellence could be achieve and in the process propel Botswana to new heights.

“Together, we can enhance teacher motivation, nurture educational excellence and build a brighter tomorrow for all,” added Mr Kgoboko who donated a printing machine and handed to teachers, trophies and certificates for their excellent performances.

Mr Kgoboko, whose trust was sponsoring the teachers’ awards for the second year running and having committed to sponsoring the awards onwards and without fail, thanked teachers who believed in the transformative power of education.

Speaking at the same occasion, permanent secretary in the ministry of education and skills development, Ms Bonolo Khumotaka said celebrating teachers was amongst her treasured occasions as it provided an opportunity to reflect on the preceding year inter alia.

At the ceremony held to recognise and celebrate excelling teachers, Ms Khumotaka said the awards recipients exemplified the ministry’s values and morals whilst also making immense contribution to the schools. Awards went to 69 best performed teachers, one up to three, and best performed schools in primary, junior and senior.

“Awards are a way to encourage good conduct and inculcate competitive spirit,” she said.

The permanent secretary said schools have always provided teachers with ‘healthy and fairly competitive environment to help them grow in every sphere of activity’ and therefore expected the awards to spur teachers and schools for even better performances.

Ms Khumotaka said students would always remember how much teachers impacted upon them due to the latter’s commitment to the former. The FMK trust donated to various schools, items such as  computers, photocopiers, assorted stationery, sponsored prize giving ceremonies as well as sponsoring students to further their education at high performing institutions of higher learning.

Bobirwa is one of the 10 regions under Central Region with 45 educational institutions of which 31 are primary schools, 11 junior secondary schools, two senior schools and a brigade in Bobonong.

The total enrolment in the first quarter of 2024 shows there were 24 852 learners across all levels and  teaching force of about 1332. Ends