Pascalinah Kabi

Mafeteng

THE Ministry of Energy and Meteorology has donated four computers and a printer each to four schools in Mafeteng and Matsieng.

The schools are Qalabane Primary School and Kingsgate Primary and High Schools in Mafeteng as well as Makeneng Primary School in Matsieng.

The ministry also donated school bags, uniforms and shoes to 20 underprivileged Qalabane Primary School students, while 21 best-performing Kingsgate Primary and High School learners each received a M500 cash prize.

In his address during the handover ceremony at Qalabane Primary School on Friday, Energy and Meteorology Minister Selibe Mochoboroane said he decided to mark the Back to School period by equipping students with educational tools.

He said Qalabane and Makeneng Primary Schools were among 20 schools the ministry electrified during its country-wide village electrification programme last year.

“When I came here last year to present the electrification contractor, I promised to install electricity for free and donate computers so that students are able to network with their colleagues from different schools,” Mr Mochoboroane said.

“Today, I have come to pay my debt to you, and I want you to use these computers to better your lives so you become the leaders of tomorrow.”

The minister, who is a former Sekhonyana High School principal, said the plight of schoolchildren had great significance to him as a trained teacher.

“I was once a student, and despite the difficulties I experienced, I still persevered to become who I am today,” he said.

“These computers will help you discuss your school work with other learners from the 20 schools we have also electrified. We will make sure that a network is installed for all the computers at the 20 schools so that it becomes easier for you to hold discussions.”

Mr Mochoboroane said he would ask the Ministry of Education and Training to provide modems “so the computers don’t become white elephants” and also to provide computer lessons for the teachers.

“The Ministry of Education and Training needs to meet me halfway and ensure that these learners get quality education despite the challenges they are facing,” he said.

Qalabane Primary School Principal, Pitso Noto, told the Sunday Express on the sidelines of the ceremony he would ensure the computers served their intended purpose.

“I am going to make sure that the teachers help their students to benefit from these computers, and not teachers taking over and benefiting more than the learners,” Mr Noto said.

The minister and his delegation, which included Education and Training Deputy Minister Thabang Kholumo, Minister of Human Rights, Law and Constitutional Affairs Motlalentoa Letsosa and Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works Mokhele Moletsane, also visited Kingsgate Primary and High Schools where he lauded the institutions for being among the best performers in Mafeteng district.

“We decided to reward the 21 best-performing students with a M500 cash prize each to motivate other learners from these schools and many others in the district,” Mr Mochoboroane said.

“I would be very disappointed if your performance levels deteriorate next time. I want you to strive for higher grades and perform beyond expectations.”

On his part, Mr Kholumo commended Mr Mochoboroane for the gesture.

“Electricity is a basic need, and giving these learners the opportunity to network with others is a momentous thing. Your initiatives are changing lives, and this suggests that you have a strong team behind you,” Mr Kholumo said.

“To the students, I challenge you to dream big. Your dream must scare and excite you at the same time so that you can achieve more in life.”

The Energy and Meteorology ministry also held a career guidance seminar for the students which was convened by civil servants.