Africa-Press – Botswana. The newly constructed borehole at Mogale Junior Secondary School in Maokane has been described as an investment in the education sector.
The borehole and water treatment project started in 2021 as a collaboration between Medupi Mining Services and Hydrate Still Water.
Speaking at the handing over of the project recently, acting director of education-Southern Region, Ms Barulaganyi Moseki said the initiative was a good example of partnership between government and the private sector. She underscored the need for all stakeholders to play a role in ensuring a conducive environment for the education sector to thrive.
“The journey of education is a collective effort in which all stakeholders have to play a role. We can all take part in an environment that fosters learning and growth,” she said.
She applauded Medupi Mining Services and its strategic partners for filling the gap that has had a negative impact on the school’s academic performance. Ms Moseki said even though there was a slight improvement in the school’s last Junior Certificate Examination results as compared to the previous year, there was need for the school community to aim higher as an appreciation for the gift.
Medupi Mining Services director, Mr Phatsimo Molosi said even though they encountered challenges along the way, they were motivated by the impact that the project would have even beyond the school community. Mr Molosi said after hitting a blank, they had to re-group and try for the second time, bringing the total cost in excess of P550 000.
He appreciated the partnership with Jwaneng Mine and Hydrate Still Water, among others, in ensuring the project was completed. He was also optimistic that availing potable water to the school would contribute towards improved academic performance.
For his part, Hydrate Still Water director, Mr Bernard Seleke said the partnership was a testament of his company’s commitment to delivering water treatment services to the communities. Mr Seleke acknowledged the importance of clean and safe drinking water as a necessity to human life. However, he said there was a need to develop a maintenance plan to ensure sustainability and continuity.
“The machinery should be maintained regularly and therefore there has to be a concrete commitment on how it will be serviced,” he added.
The school head, Mr Effort Gaboiphiwe appreciated all stakeholders that continued to partner with them to create a better learning environment for their pupils. Mr Gaboiphiwe said such collaborations resonated with the country’s Vision 2036 and would go a long in improving academic results in his school.
He said while they achieved 20.8 per cent quality ABC pass in last year’s JCE as compared to 17.3 per cent in 2023, the aim was to achieve at least 30 per cent this year. He appreciated the contribution of Jwaneng Mine and Matcoy for maintaining the hostels and electrical works respectively, and called on pupils to take good care of such gifts and avoid vandalism.
He also called on other private businesses to assist the school with bunk beds, mattresses and chalkboards.
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