That ambiguous first school day for neophytes

As Tswana medium primary schools opened for the year, a visit to a few of them in the Kweneng District found some Standard One pupils crying after their mothers left them with strangers, while others were beside themselves with joy for eventually joining their older brothers and sisters in school.

The mood was one of mixed emotions, the most prevalent being excitement, especially  at Mmanoko Primary School where pupils were taken on a familiarisation tour of the school to calm their nerves and make them feel appreciated and welcome.