Shortage of books hits F/town schools
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Thursday January 26, 2017 15:32
The school heads of both schools revealed at a kgotla meeting that was held at the Monarch Customary Court.
One of the principals, Patrocinia Sebina from Mmei JSS said the problem could be solved by parents helping out. “We are experiencing a shortage of exercise books and it’s upon parents to take responsibility and purchase some of these for their children. The future of your children is in your hands,” she said.
Sebina added that the parents should join forces with teachers so that children could excel in their academics.
She noted that lack of books could result in a serious impediment to educational progress. She also urged parents to instill discipline in their children so that they could stay focused and pass their final examinations. The school head for Selolwe JSS Bonani, Naomi Topollo said learners in her school were labouring without the books.
“Parents should play their role and buy books for their children so that they can continue with their studies until government resolves the matter,” she said.
Topollo bemoaned that some parents had abdicated their children’s educational responsibilities to teachers.
“We often invite parents to Parents Teachers Association meetings and they abscond from the gatherings. During these meetings we normally address issues affecting the academic performance of children. We long informed the parents about the shortage of books before the school holidays,” she said.
She added that they wanted the students to be ready for the new academic year, but some parents failed to fulfill the request.
The principal also raised a concerned about students who abused drugs and alcohol, saying the school registered over 11 cases of drug abuse last year.
“We are worried about the alarming rate at which students abuse drugs. These students have started trafficking the drugs into the school,” she said.
Topollo said there were indications that the students in question purchased the drugs from irresponsible parents.
For his part the Member of Parliament for Francistown West, Ignatius Moswaane said he was aware of the shortage of books in schools.
He said that the Ministry of Basic Education should purchase the books in time to avoid such inconveniences.
He implored with parents to help the government by purchasing the books for continuity of their children academic.