Mmegi

The essence of a school

What makes a school a school? What makes a school not be a school? These are very wild and difficult questions that one may not deal with without attracting controversy. But they are necessary questions which cannot be avoided.

Let us begin with tangible things that define a school. A structured environment comprising buildings, classrooms, and students interacting with qualified teachers in the presence of content. Lack of a structured and systematic environment makes a school "not a school". Beyond tangibles, there are hidden, intangible and perhaps unwritten features that define the worth and purpose of a school. Essentially, a school is typically defined by its purpose: a place for learning and education.

A school does not exist in a vacuum. It is a response and answer to societal expectations and a panacea to social ills. A school should never be a breeding ground for societal ills. Anything short of the fulfilment of expectations of society could be a source of frustration and disappointment. A school should never turn off investors and patrons ( parents). The very essence of a school is its purpose and function.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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