The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane has urged Berea students to double their efforts in their studies as education can pave their way to the top.

 Prime Minister said this when addressing students at the event to celebrate Back-to-School at Lioli F.C grounds in Teyateyaneng on Monday, where the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Mr. Lebona Lephema in partnership with other business community presented school uniform, hygiene packs, sanitary towels and awards for the best performers in the district.

 Mr. Matekane said for every student to achieve success in life, school is the only right route to take to model and unlock the potential in their minds.

 He said his company requires pilots and to land in such a profession requires dedication and hard work at school.

 The PM added that listening to teachers and following their instructions is the strategy to usher one to a brighter future, further urging students to refrain from drugs.

 Mr. Matekane said the country has launched the Sebabatso youth initiative to unveil different talents and creativity among youth, adding that their vision through that programme is to create more youth-led businesses and the establishment of all professions.

 Sharing the same sentiments, Mr. Lephema said what they are doing forms part of social responsibility and motivation for the learners to work even harder in their studies.

 Mr. Lephema urged students to be vigilant of trafficking in person even when they pursue their learning as many people lure them with fake scholarships to foreign countries. 

 He also issued a stern warning to parents to refrain from forcing their children into early marriages as that is another form of trafficking.

 The Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police stressed that children are future leaders of the country hence deserve a right to education.

 The District Education Manager (DEM), Mrs. Malijane Selikane said they are grateful to the schools and business community for having responded to the Minister of Education and Training’s call to observe this January 29 as a day marked to make a positive change in schools.

Mrs. Selikane said the presented awards form a motivation for students and schools, saying it encourages students to strive for excellence and outstanding results at all times.

 On behalf of the high schools, Cana High School Principal, Mrs. Makatleho Setlai said they are thankful to be recognized after an outstanding performance, saying the initiative is going to motivate them to work hard.

 Representing primary school teachers, Mrs. Matšiu Tšiu from Teyateyaneng LECSA Primary School said they acknowledge all the hands which have contributed to the success of the event.

 Mrs. Tšiu said such presents are going to make a huge impact on the schools and they are fully aware that some parents are living in vulnerable conditions.

 On the other hand, Kekeletso Letšoara of Assumption High school was awarded a top achiever on Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education (LGCSE) result and presented M1000 from Laduma Hardware and certificate of excellence, Cana High School was also recognized for being among the top ten schools in LGCSE results, Tšekelo and Malithuso High Schools were also awarded for obtaining 100 percent quality pass in the district.

 During the same event, Berea Hospital through its dental department raised awareness about oral health and hygiene education to the students.

Meanwhile, in celebration of the Back-to-School event, the Prime Minister officiated the launch of Tlapaneng Pre-School at Lekokoaneng. The two-roomed building was built by the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Mr. Lebona Lephema as part of social responsibility.

 In his remarks, the Prime Minister said this initiative marks the beginning of the implementation of what they promised the people during the political rallies.

 He urged pre-school teachers to invest time in educating children as they are the country’s future leaders.

 Mr. Matekane pledged M10,000,00 to the Tlapaneng Pre-school and guaranteed that the school will be fenced for security and will also have toilets.

 On the other hand, he assured the Lekokoaneng community that more development projects which include water installation projects, electricity connection to the remaining families, agricultural development, and job creation are among the projects which are yet to be implemented.

 Sharing the same sentiments, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police, Mr. Lephema said the effort to build a pre-school is a foundation that is set to pave the educational journey for children.

 Mr. Lephema highlighted that through this initiative, they are preparing the leaders who will promote a positive change in the country, adding that they will develop such schools to a greater level.

Tlapaneng Pre-school teacher, Mrs.  Matšepiso Khomo-ngata said in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) education, children learn through playing and they appreciate that their school has a library, numeracy corner and creativity.

 Teacher Khomo-ngata said they acknowledge the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and police for responding to their need, adding that parents did try to build such a school, but collapsed and they also tried to make a shack, which also fell.

 Representing parents, Mrs. Makarabelo Maope said for years, they have been struggling and working alongside the school to ensure that their children have an educational foundation and today they have a proper school building.

During the same event, Mr. Lephema presented learning aids, furniture and mattresses for pupils.

 The pre-school is set to serve villages that include Ha-Maope, Ha-Sakoane and Tlapaneng respectively.

Source: LENA 29/01/2024