03/04/2026
The release of exam results for Form 5 students is a welcome development. As young people start figuring out their next steps, parents, guardians, siblings, extended family and peers play a role in how results are received (well or not). Learning is not always linear or shared phenomena despite similar circumstances in infrastructure, teachers or even curricula delivery. We note the unfortunate change in curricula that students experienced mid-academic year. Compromising the learning curve and quality needs for all students. Impacting a) those who might have to repeat being left behind as currently enrolled students advance, b) navigating what would be a different curriculum from what they initially enrolled in, adding complexity to learning outcomes despite repeating, c) leaving others with worse marks than normal, reflected in the deteriorated national results, d) those who could have benefited from international scholarships or programmes incurred delays that could have financial, social and administrative implications and e) deteriorated mental health and wellbeing because of instability and results uncertainty. Households now have to consider these options amidst a declining fiscus, narrower sponsorship opportunities and difficult personal lending options on already stretched at income, care and social protection levels.
Top achievers, noting the likelihood of cancellation of state support, are part of the demographic dividend that successfully navigated unjust and unequal public education systems at district level. We illuminate the stories behind some of these, reflecting the possible loss of demographic dividend due to the state's lack of prioritisation of quality education, social protections and youth enablement. Botswana's World Happiness Report registers at 143rd out of 147 countries, reflecting deeper structural impediments to overall wellbeing and dignity. Especially for those who have exceeded expectations and limited resource learning environments. Here is one of the stories:
My name is Keisha Oratile Mosweu, a 17-year-old, Form 5 student at Masunga Senior Secondary School in Masunga. I am from Somerset East, Francistown. I obtained an A in my PLSE and in Maruje Senior Secondary Junior School I received certificates for ranking above the required points which is above 45 points, proving that I could excel when given stability and support. I later passed with a grade B that qualified me for Masunga Senior Secondary School, a moment that reminded me that I still had a chance to aim higher. These academic achievements became a source of motivation for me to keep moving forward and strive far. My ambition is to build a successful and meaningful life for myself and my family. I want to pursue my long-term goal of working in the medical field, especially as a cardiologist because I want to help people and make a difference in their lives, serving with compassion and purpose. I also consider becoming an accountant because I enjoy working with numbers and solving problems even when they are too challenging. I aim to grow into a confident, kind and independent young woman who sets healthy boundaries and carries herself with self-respect. I want to uplift my family and inspire young girls who come from backgrounds like mine, girls who feel unseen, unheard or even underestimated. The person who inspires me the most is my mother, Jane Mosweu. Even though she did not achieve higher than she had expected, she is a nurse, a mother and a fighter. She taught me that strength is not loud, sometimes it is a tired woman waking up at 5 a.m. to go save lives while struggling silently with her own. She was also raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet. Even with those struggles, by Godâs grace, she managed to pass her form 5, passed her nursing school and went on to work and change her familyâs economic status. Later on in life the universe gave her a blow when she was faced with two children with a skin condition called vitiligo. I used to see her crying silently when we come downcast from school because of discrimination from other students. She managed to keep her faith with God by not giving up on me and my younger sister when we faced discrimination from the public. She took us for counselling and encouraged us to never give up, hold our heads high and strive forward with Godâs strength. I have faced several challenges that tested my strength, confidence and resilience. Living with vitiligo made me feel painfully self-conscious, I would wear a mask over my lips all the time to avoid negative stares, people asking questions, sometimes I felt isolated and lost confidence in my own skin. But this made me stronger and helped me understand the importance of selfacceptance and kindness towards others, to not let myself be defined by what other people think and not what I think. I am also short-sighted using spectacles to assist me in reading and writing. Through counselling, my motherâs encouragement and Godâs grace I managed to conquer negativity with renewed purpose and determination to work hard. On top of that, I was struggling with the transition into the Outcome Based Education (OBE) syllabus which brought unfamiliar and unexpected topics that required deeper understanding, research and constant presentations. There were also times when we had not yet finished parts of the syllabus and the thought of writing exams without covering everything almost made me lose hope. But still, I pushed myself. I gathered as much information as possible, asked help from the teachers, used any small chance to research from textbooks and notebooks to prepare the best I could for my exams. I am also in special education given extra time because I could not hear well, especially if I was going to be put in the exam hall with the rest of the candidates. Lastly at home, I saw my mom silently stressed over money issues, sometimes unable to pay essentials like water and this motivated me to be stronger and more responsible. I believe in Botswana, every young person should be awarded the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background. I want to see a Botswana where students from low privileged homes are supported, empowered and trusted to lead, and envision a future where education, innovation and strong values empower us citizens to contribute positively to the nationâs social and economic growth. I hope to be part of that future, using my skills and determination to make Botswana a place of opportunity, equality and progress for all citizens. My memorable item that represents my journey is a journal/ booklet that has all my prayers, Bible verses and motivational quotes. These prayers and Bible verses helped me to communicate with the Lord, Jesus Christ to help me gain confidence in my own skin and myself emotionally, physically and academically. There are also prayers that help me be grateful and acknowledge that I have to strive forward and for God to be always by my side during all those times of studying and writing my exams. These prayers and quotes gave me hope that I will not fail and will make it in life. To all students facing such challenges, I want you to know that no matter the obstacles, whether in school, at home or within yourself, you have the strength to overcome them. Success in school doesnât come overnight so stay consistent, keep learning and your hard work will pay off and remember education is key. In conclusion, I am a young woman who is constantly learning, growing and striving to become a better version of myself despite the odds. Every challenge and setback I face, every lesson I learn, and every dream I want to chase brings me closer to the person I aspire to be. I am proud of my journey and I am determined to keep moving forward with confidence, courage and purpose, this is the beginning of my story. I am Keisha Mosweu.
