23 Sep 2024

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse has presented laptops to two best-performing learners at  Naledi Senior Secondary School  to recognise their academic excellence and celebrate the dedication, perseverance and resilience they have demonstrated throughout the year.

Mr Autlwetse handed over the laptops during the school’s prize giving ceremony on Friday to the two learners in Form Four and Form Five, not only for being the best but to also augment their learning experience and access to resources.

“The laptops will serve as an incentive for academic excellence and also encourage hard work and dedication as well as assist you to bridge the digital divide,” he said.

Giving a keynote address, Bank Gaborone’s Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager, Ms Tshepo Maruatona reminded learners of the power of endurance, discipline and consistency. 

“Just like in a marathon, every step counts, no matter how small. It is the accumulation of those steps that leads to the finish line. Similarly, brilliance in academics doesn’t happen overnight; it is the result of countless hours spent studying, asking questions and pushing through challenges,” said Ms Maruatona.

She encouraged learners to ask for help every time they felt overwhelmed.

She highlighted the importance of strong support system from friends, family and teachers.

“A strong support system can keep you motivated and focused; their belief in you helps you stay focused and continue putting in the effort, even when you feel like giving up,” she said.

Ms Maruatona requested all stakeholders to support and encourage learners as well as create an environment where brilliance was enlivened and thrived and in turn afford every learner the opportunity to shine.

She told learners that their hunger for knowledge would push them to go an extra mile, and urged them to set clear goals, have a sense of academic and personal goals that directed and motivated them to keep moving forward. ends