‘Teach pupils about their culture’

Paidamoyo Bore

PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Thabela, has challenged teachers and parents to teach children about their culture.

Speaking at Blakiston Junior School, during the handover of the 2020 Secretary’s Merit Award, Thabela expressed concern at the number of children who struggled to speak their native language.

She urged parents and teachers not to deprive children of their cultural heritage, saying it was important for kids to learn about their roots while they were still young.

She commended Blakiston School for producing children with Ubuntu – a quality which highlights interconnectedness and the importance of community – and praised the institution for providing inclusive, high-quality education even during the challenges of Covid-19.

“Yes, you can teach these kids English and they can excel, but it is important for them to know their roots.

“They should be able to speak their native language and know their culture as well.

“These kids should know their roots while they are still young and you should not deprive them of that.

“Blakiston strove to be the leading provider of quality education to infants and juniors.

“The Secretary’s Merit Award is intended to inspire various categories of teaching and learning institutions to continuously strive for excellence like what Blakiston did during Covid-19,” she said.