Africa-Press – Botswana. Parents have been advised to strive to understand their children so that they can notice any suspicious changes in their character.
Speaking at a kgotla meeting at Gaborone’s Phase 4 location on Wednesday, Member of Parliament for Bonnington South, Mr Christian Greeff said it was a pity that children used drugs under the nose of their parents, who still fail to notice change in their behaviour.
“As parents you are involved in the lives of your children from the very early ages, so you should be in a position to understand them such that you should notice any odd change in their behaviour,” he said.
Mr Greef indicated that early notice of such behavourial change would allow parents to take proper action before it was too late.
“It is hard to correct a child who has derailed so far. Nowadays drug use starts as early as primary school, so parents should always be on the alert,” he said.
He castigated parents who ‘throw kids’ at teachers, saying it was akin to failure to take responsibility.
He said drugs were one of the surest and quickest ways of destroying a child’s future, and that it was a pity that parents normally knew who sold drugs among the community, but turned a blind eye.
“We have whistle blower legislation in place, so tip off the police without any fear,” he advised.
Meanwhile Mr Greeff said the newly constructed primary school at Phase 4 was a welcome development in the area.
The school, which was supposed to have opened this month has been delayed.
According to the education secretay, Mr Kwantle Kwantle, the delay emanated from heavy rains that forced the contractor to halt construction.
“We are, however, hopeful that it will be ready for second term, and registration for pupils will commence as soon as we get the certificate of occupation,” he said.
He indicated that registration would be for all the standards as the intention was to decongest nearby schools, especially Bophirima and Tlhabologo primary schools.
“We will give out an update on the progress by the end of next month, and in naming the new school, we will use the name that parents recommended in a kgotla meeting,” he said.
In other issues, District Health Management Team coordinator, Ms Kgomotso Modise said they were still experiencing shortage of some drugs in health facilities, such as vital drugs for emergency cases, essential drugs such as painkillers and necessary drugs such as vitamin supplements.
She, however, expressed hope that the situation would soon improve as new stock had been coming in.
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