16 Sep 2024

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Ms Bonolo Khumotaka says celebrating teachers is amongst her treasured occasions as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the preceding year inter alia.

At the ceremony held to recognise and celebrate excelling teachers in Bobonong on Friday, Ms Khumotaka said the awards recipients exemplified the ministry’s values and morals whilst also making immense contribution to the schools. 

“Awards are a way to encourage good conduct and inculcate competitive spirit. In other words, we are seeking new thinking and new ways of doing things in an accelerated and excellent way,” Ms Khumotaka said and added that doing things as above mentioned augured well for mindset change.

The excellence awards for teachers under Bobirwa Sub-region recognised 69 best teachers, one up to three, and best performed schools in primary, junior and senior. They were sponsored by FMK Trust under the theme: Enhancing teacher motivation through partnerships: key to educational excellence.

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.

“I am aware of the numerous challenges that you contend with at your various stations. I want to assure that my ministry is working around the clock to eliminate such huddles,” said the PS.

The FMK trust has reportedly donated to various schools, items like computers, photocopiers, assorted stationery, sponsored prize giving ceremonies as well as sponsoring students for furthering their education at high performing institutions of higher learning.

In that regard, FMK Trust chairman, Mr Francisco Kgoboko lauded teachers for their unwavering dedication and hard work.

He said teachers were the unsung heroes who shaped young minds, instilled values and ignited a passion for learning that lasts a long time.

Mr Kgoboko, therefore, said it was through partnerships that an environment where teachers felt motivated, inspired and empowered to unleash their full potential could be created.

“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 chairman 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.

Bobirwa region, sub-divided into Bobonong and Mmadinare clusters, is one of the ten regions under Central Region. Under it are 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 are 24 852 learners across all levels while there is a teaching force of about 1 332. Ends