As Standard One learners across the country reported for their first day of school on January 13, Mogoditshane Primary School experienced a familiar first-day rush, welcoming 120 new learners and their parents.
Of the new intake, 60 learners were enrolled in reception, while another 60 began Standard One, joining an existing learner population of 1,026.
The school atmosphere was marked by excitement and nervous anticipation among both returning and first-time learners, while some parents lingered anxiously, hoping their children would secure placement at the school.
With only five primary schools serving Mogoditshane amid the urban village’s rapidly growing population, estimated at about 88,000 people according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census access to school placements remains a persistent challenge.
“There are still many children on the waiting list dating back to 2024,” said Mogoditshane Primary School head, Mr Samuel Setuke.
He explained that although the school was originally designed to accommodate 801 pupils, enrolment rose to 1,126 last year, including 100 Standard 7 learners who completed their studies.
This year, the learner population has further increased to 1,146.
Mr Setuke outlined several challenges facing the school, including dilapidated classroom furniture, a situation worsened by the shift system, which resulted in furniture being used throughout the day.
He also cited a high learner-teacher ratio, limited resources such as stationery, occasional food shortages and financial constraints affecting the procurement of teaching materials, including Breakthrough, a teaching strategy used to help Standard One learners develop Setswana word recognition skills.
Despite these challenges, Mr Setuke expressed optimism, noting that teachers were ready to deliver quality education.
He added that the school had strengthened partnerships with parents, who had agreed to contribute P20 toward stationery to help ease resource shortages.
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