Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe has encouraged students at Kgale Hill Junior Secondary School to develop a genuine love for learning and maintain a strong hunger for knowledge. Speaking to the students, Gaolathe urged them to remain committed to education and focus on becoming the best versions of themselves. He emphasised that personal growth, discipline and a willingness to learn can open doors to greater opportunities in life. His message placed education at the centre of personal development while encouraging students to think beyond their current circumstances. He also challenged the learners to use their education not only to improve their own lives but also to contribute positively to their families and the future of Botswana.
Gaolathe encouraged the students to become exceptional by drawing inspiration from the eagle, a bird widely associated with height, vision and strength. He told the learners that an eagle flies higher than other birds and urged them to develop a mindset that pushes them towards higher standards. He also used the eagle’s feeding habits to encourage the students to seek quality rather than settle for what is undesirable. According to his message, the eagle does not feed on rotten food but seeks fresh prey, while its vision allows it to see things that others may not notice. The lesson for the students was to develop discernment, pursue valuable knowledge and set standards that encourage them to rise above mediocrity.
The Vice President’s emphasis on knowledge comes at an important stage in the lives of junior secondary school students. At this level, learners are developing interests and skills that can influence their future education and career choices. A genuine interest in learning can encourage students to ask questions, explore different subjects and develop the confidence to pursue areas in which they have potential. Gaolathe’s message encouraged the students to see education as more than a requirement imposed by school or parents. Instead, he presented learning as a lifelong process that can help them understand the world, identify opportunities and develop the skills required to achieve their ambitions.
Gaolathe also encouraged the students to seek knowledge by learning from people within their families and communities. He advised them to ask their parents, uncles and aunties about how they achieved success and what lessons they gained along the way. Such conversations can give young people practical insights into education, work, perseverance and decision-making that may not always be found in textbooks. Family members can also provide personal examples of challenges they faced and how they overcame them. By encouraging students to engage with older generations, Gaolathe highlighted the value of combining formal education with the experiences and knowledge of people around them.
The Vice President illustrated this point by briefly sharing his own experience as a student. He explained that his uncle, who was studying computer science in Canada, inspired him during his formative years. That exposure helped him develop aspirations that eventually led him to attend university in the United States of America. His story demonstrated how encouragement and positive examples from family members can influence a young person’s ambitions and decisions. It also showed the students that inspiration can come from people close to them and that a single example of achievement can encourage a young person to consider possibilities they may not have previously imagined.
Gaolathe further encouraged the students to dream collectively rather than viewing success only as an individual pursuit. He urged them to encourage one another and create an environment where their classmates can also work towards achieving their goals. Positive peer relationships can have a strong influence on students because encouragement from friends can build confidence and motivate learners to remain committed when schoolwork becomes difficult. Students can also learn from each other by sharing ideas, supporting group projects and celebrating one another’s progress. A school environment in which learners want to see each other succeed can help strengthen academic performance and personal development.
His call for collective achievement also placed responsibility on students to consider how their actions affect those around them. Success at school should not only be measured by individual marks or personal achievements, but also by the ability to contribute to a positive learning environment. Students who support their classmates can help create a culture of cooperation and mutual respect. This approach can also encourage learners to develop leadership qualities at an early stage. By working together and encouraging one another, the students can build relationships and habits that remain valuable beyond their school years.
Gaolathe acknowledged the efforts of Kgale Hill Junior Secondary School headmaster Motlhanka and the teachers for their role in developing the learners. He thanked the school leadership and teaching staff for working collectively to produce students who can perform at their best. Teachers play an important role in helping students develop academic knowledge while also guiding them in discipline, responsibility and personal growth. The encouragement from the Vice President therefore recognised the contribution of educators alongside the responsibilities of the learners themselves. His remarks reinforced the idea that strong educational outcomes require cooperation between students, teachers, school leadership and families.
The Vice President also challenged the students to use their education and abilities to do great things for Botswana and their families. He urged them to think about how their future achievements can contribute to the development of the country and improve the lives of people around them. This message connects education with the broader responsibility young people have as future professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and community members. Students who develop strong skills and a commitment to excellence can contribute to Botswana in many different fields as they grow older. Gaolathe’s message encouraged them to start developing that sense of responsibility while they are still in school.
He also urged the learners to bring out the best in the people around them, reinforcing the importance of positive influence and shared progress. Young people can have a meaningful impact on their peers by encouraging good study habits, supporting classmates and setting positive examples. The ability to inspire others is also an important leadership quality that can develop through everyday interactions at school and within communities. By focusing on their own growth while helping others improve, the students can contribute to a stronger and more supportive environment. This approach reflects the wider message of the Vice President’s address, which combined personal ambition with responsibility towards others.
Gaolathe’s engagement with students at Kgale Hill Junior Secondary School delivered a clear message about the importance of education, ambition and collective success. His encouragement to develop a hunger for knowledge challenged the learners to take ownership of their education and remain curious about the world around them. His story about his uncle demonstrated how family encouragement can influence educational aspirations, while his call for students to dream together highlighted the importance of supporting one another. By using the eagle as an example of vision and excellence, he encouraged the students to set high standards and refuse to settle for less than their potential. His final call for them to do great things for Botswana, their families and the people around them provided a strong reminder that the knowledge they gain today can become a foundation for positive change in the future.
