Tshukudu Scoops Golden Star Award

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday June 10, 2013 00:00

The prize is awarded to the best overall Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) student in the country.The 19-year-old recipient encouraged youngsters to start working hard early  for their national examinations.'Free education is not a right, but a privilege which I don't think there is any other country that provides except Botswana,' she said.

Tshukudu also called on parents to play a pivotal role in educating tomorrow's leaders as government cannot be expected to achieve that on its own.  She said her parents have been supportive and encouraging in her studies.Asked about the recipe for her success - 7 A*s, 2As and one B grade - the teenager said she studied hard and was part of a study group. 

She said before seeking help from fellow students or teachers, she did her best to understand topics and modules.  'Its always best to apply yourself fully, and that's exactly what I did,' she said.She added that she would also seek clarity from her study group mates.  'I encourage students not to strike but resort to dialogue,' said Tshukudu. She got a cash prize of P20,000.

The young woman will soon leave for the UK, Cardiff Sixth Form College, after which she intends to pursue Actuarial Sciences.The Ministerial Award went to Mompati Ramotsetsi of Goodhope Senior Secondary School - the BGSCE Overall Top Achiever Two - while the third best candidate, Gaborone Senior Secondary School's Lameck Mmwendwa walked away with the BEC Chairman's Award.

Morekolodi Balone from Orapa Junior Secondary School was named the best in the Junior Certificate category while Bridget Nakedi from Galaletsang Primary School emerged the best performer in the Primary School category.Minister of Education and Skills Development Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said parents should be active in their children's education because the only way that this country can give citizens something to inherit is through education.  She added that students do not fail but parenting skills can.

She called upon Parents and Teachers Associations to lend a hand in educating the nation because where parents are involved, something positive happens.'Government can only provide opportunities.  It is up to students to make use of them,' she said.  For his part, Khama said every stakeholder in education should see to it that they play their part.  He said teachers should be acknowledged for the job they do, and that government should build schools, provide books, teachers and lecturers while students should engage in learning.If the student doesn't apply himself or herself it doesn't matter what government does. Teachers are the cornerstone of ensuring excellence, and parental involvement is important,' he said.