Africa-Press – Botswana. Mosiiwa Primary School will on April 11, celebrate 100 years of existence.
Established in 1925 by the London Missionary Society (LMS) under the stewardship of Pastor Henry Keaiketse, the school will celebrate the centenary as a milestone in education toward community development in Kgalagadi and beyond.
Organising committee chairperson, and former alumnus, Mr Oatlhotse Hiri described the school as a beacon of hope that had transformed many lives.
He said the centenary was a chance to honour the past and an opportunity to forge ahead.
“This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the school’s rich history, the generations of pupils who have passed through its doors, teachers and staff who have shaped the young lives with care and passion,” said Mr Hiri.
The first school in Kgalagadi, Mr Hiri said Mosiiwa primary was founded by LMS to provide faith based education for children and elders as most followers were not literate and unable to read the Bible.
He said the school later partnered with government to become a formal institution of learning.
Mr Hiri said the school had been part of many families’ live for generations as parents had enrolled their children in the same school which they once attended with the view to pass on their core values.
Some of the school’s alumni he said were judges, doctors, politicians, businessmen and teachers.
They include, former Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi, Mr Lesedi Mothibamele, veterinarian, Dr Gaseitswe Sento, former Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi North and Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Talita Monnakgotla and former assistant commissioner of police, Mr Kegolotswe Moriti.
He said they partnered with the alumni to play a central role in the celebration and share their stories.
“There is a history book which will be available during the celebration and will highlight the school’s history showcasing its evolution from 1925 to to-date,” said Mr Hiri.
Committee deputy chairperson, Mr Mothibamele said it was important to celebrate the school because it had produced individuals who had contributed toward the country’s development.
Mr Mothibamele said the school had for a long time, served as a beacon of hope, portraying it as the shining light in the desert for many.
“We have seen it change the lives of many and therefore, we want it to be known by everyone,” he said.
For her part, Mosiiwa Primary School head, Ms Olivia Ditshetelo said the celebration was more about looking back, strengthening ties and ensuring the school legacy continued to thrive for generations to come.
Our school is among the top performing schools in the region, Ms Ditshetelo said.
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