BOPEU boosts Seleka Primary
Bonte Seepi | Monday October 16, 2017 16:21
It was a celebration of monumental achievement by a rural school whose academic achievements beat most schools in the Mahalapye sub-region, which also includes all Mahalapye schools.
Although little had been said about the school tucked away in the rural hilly Tswapong village, their feat this year include celebrating an 87% pass rate in 2016, an achievement that made them the best in the Mahalapye sub-region this year.
But it was not a rare feat either, as this school is in the habit of scoring over 82% pass rate and were overall second best in their region in 2014, which includes schools in the more urban and more advantaged schools in Mahalapye.
When BOPEU was invited to chip in for this year’s academic celebrations, the school headmaster made her request clear; they hoped BOPEU could lend them the exposure they believe they deserve as top performers in the country. Their end of year awards celebrations are usually an off colour event with no pomp.
However, thanks to the response from BOPEU, it was a day befitting a top achieving school as proud parents, excelling teachers and pupils not only had delicious snacks for celebrations but also were awarded some motivating prizes for their goals.
The school hopes this is only the beginning with their partnership with BOPEU.
The school head, Kolobetso Molatlhegi, pleaded with the trade union president, Masego Mogwera to adopt her school saying that for the past five years they have been doing well, but still remained unrecognisable and unnoticed. She said for all those years, Seleka Primary had no school dropouts, hence applauding parents saying it was a sign that children are being taken good care of. The headmaster added that the school was among the high performers in the region, having 82.1% pass rate in 2012, and 2013 as well as finishing as number two in the Mahalapye sub-region.
In 2014 they went an extra mile and improved by two percent attaining 84.4% before stretching that mark last year when they attained 87.5% pass and finished position three in the sub region.
The director in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Taelo Ramokapane called upon the residents to contribute in awarding excellence in schools to set an example to potential partners.
Parents were also urged to allow their students to engage in extra-curricular activities like athletics, football and others to widen and explore their talents and gifts. The star of the day, Tefo Solomon urged his peers to study hard so that they can also excel. He said for him to achieve higher, he studies every night and sets tests for himself with the help of his parents.
The 13-year-old Solomon was the best overall student in the school. He got first position in all the subjects except Social Studies and was also recognised for being the best football player.
A Standard 5 teacher, Boingotlo Mphichane also shone during the day as she was recognised for her 85% pass rate.
BOPEU supported the prize giving ceremony by buying all the prizes, food and drinks for the day as well as shouldering the event’s marketing and publicity budget.
The Morakeng Gospel Choir, the school polka dance group, school drama group, Basiti choir and the school traditional dance added colour to the spectacle.