H.H.the VP Lt.Gen.Mompati S.Merafhe, on the Occasion of the Awarding of a Floating Trophy to Tamocha Memorial School

source: Republic of Botswana TAUTONA TIMES of 8/8/2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery”


B3) 31/7/10: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY H.H. THE VICE PRESIDENT LT. GEN. MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, ON THE OCCASION OF THE AWARDING OF A FLOATING TROPHY TO TAMOCHA MEMORIAL SCHOOL FOR THE BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVING EXAMINATIONS (PSLE) RESULTS IN MAHALAPYE INSPECTORAL AREA IN MAHALAPYE WEST

[Salutations]...Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. On June 28, 2009, Tamocha Memorial School was a beehive of activity – and for all the good reasons! It was yet another time to celebrate this beautiful school’s impressive performance in the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) within Mahalapye Inspectoral Area.

2. At the time, I noted with satisfaction, that Tamocha Memorial School had distinguished itself from the rest by consistently registering the best pass rate, thus remaining a star performer in this area. I also challenged other schools to respond in emphatic fashion when the 2009 Standard Seven results were released.

3. But, alas, Tamocha Memorial School has done it again, thus bringing immense happiness and pride to all those who have contributed towards the achievement of this remarkable feat. In this regard, I wish to encourage other schools, which aspire for excellence to look up to Tamocha Memorial School as a good example to follow. In essence, I once again challenge them to compete, lest Tamocha becomes a permanent home for this coveted trophy!

4. Bagaetsho, as we once again celebrate the school’s achievement, we should pay tribute to Mr. Theophilus Tamocha, an accomplished educationist, whose enduring legacy continues to be a source of inspiration to many of us in Mahalapye, including this remarkable school. I am informed that Tamocha Memorial School has since its inception in 1962 demonstrated beyond any doubt that team work, customer satisfaction and Botho are crucial to success. This celebration, therefore, offers an opportunity for the school to interact with the community and reflect on their co-existence and achievement in a joyous atmosphere.

5. As parents and teachers, we are important partners in education since we assume the joint responsibility of developing the children to become productive citizens. What a child will become is, by and large, determined by the societal influences at home and school. It is, therefore, extremely important that all of us should teach, guide and counsel our children at homes and in schools on proper social values in order to develop them.

6. Director of Ceremonies, as Government, we recognise that the most important resource of any nation is its citizens. The youth, in particular, are the wealth of this nation. Our pursuit of other national objectives would be in vain if we failed to nurture and polish this great asset. As we strive to transform our country to become a knowledge-based economy, Government has taken a bold decision to introduce information and communications technology (ICT) syllabus at primary schools. To this end, we should inculcate the culture of computer literary at home and in our schools.

7. Bagaetsho, the promotion of computer literacy at primary schools surely needs our collective efforts. I have personally donated two computers to this school, which will undoubtedly go a long way in supporting this initiative. In this regard, I wish to encourage the private sector and individuals to dedicate themselves to this noble endeavour as Government cannot achieve this alone. Government has also placed emphasis on subject specialisation through introduction of a new curriculum to cater for future economic challenges and opportunities and ensure that our children become employable and innovative.

8. Bagaetsho, it is my fervent hope that we will make good use of this occasion to raise awareness about the significance of youth development and empowerment. It is for this reason that I am elated by the presence among us of fellow young people from Remmogo Youth Organisation, who have embarked on a crusade to sensitise the people about the dangers of road accidents and substance abuse.

9. Director of Ceremonies, as Tamocha Memorial School continues to attain great strides, I wish to encourage our schools and parents to be mindful of the provisions and requirements of the schools’ establishment registers. Our relentless efforts to achieve quality education as envisaged in our National Vision ideal of ensuring an Educated and Informed Nation by the year of our Lord 2016, will only bear fruit if we adhere to the set limits of admissions to avoid cases of over-swelling enrolments and huge class sizes at some schools. As parents and partners in education, we should have the confidence to enrol our children to any schools, including those nearer to our homes.

10. To the victorious Class of 2009 – and I am happy that many of you are here this morning – I say congratulations for making us all proud and envious! You have every reason to be optimistic about the future and make it big in life!

11. Bagaetsho, with those remarks, it is now my pleasure to once again officially hand over the Mahalapye West Floating Trophy to Tamocha Memorial School and the community of Tshikinyega in Mahalapye. I thank you. PULA!