19 Jan 2025

Tamocha Memorial School in Mahalapye received a donation of 1 000 books courtesy of President Advocate Duma Boko who was fulfilling the promise he made during a  kgotla meeting in Mahalapye last year after ascending the country’s highest post. 

Speaking during the handing over ceremony at the school premises recently, the Minister of Communications and Innovation Mr David Tshere said the importance of books in the academic journey of students could not be overemphasised. 

Mr Tshere, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, said the decision to donate books by President Boko was a reward and sign of encouragement toward improvement of grades and knowledge. 

“President Boko was a student here and he wants you to adopt the culture of reading,” Mr Tshere said. 

He also said the books would help to lay a strong foundation for learners to become the best versions of themselves given that they were leaders of tomorrow. 

The minister also stated that no schools in the area had achieved below 50 per cent pass mark ever since he introduced the performance improvement initiative of awarding the best performing students with laptops and the best performing teachers with monetary prizes. 

Mr Tshere urged all to come on board to improve academic performance in schools. He said as the country continued to fight challenges head-on, communities were expected to come up with innovative ways of being self-reliant. 

Principal Education Officer, Ms Anti Tshireletso was of the view that the donation would promote good grades and fluency in English. 

“This kind of support is highly appreciated by communities we serve and we wish our President would continue with the noble gesture,” she said. 

Ms Tshireletso was optimistic that the obstacles of the past would lead to new beginnings.

“The school head, Ms Tlholego Kemelo, said where possible, the minister should assist  the school with a library to instill sense of reading.

She said the school had been performing well with 80 per cent pass rate, adding that they were also thankful to the President of Botswana for fulfilling the promise. ENDS