- Government employee donates hats to ease students’ long walks to school
In a bid to support children facing long and exhausting journeys to school, government employee Tshimologo Kumule has turned a good Samaritan donating sun hats to some of Thito Primary leaners aimed to protect them from the scorching heat while walking long distances to access education.
Kumule donated 61 hats branded with students’ names at the handover made over the weekend. She explained the motivation behind the initiative, stating, “I saw a number of students walking long distances to Thito Primary. Upon questioning, some revealed that they travel from as far as Setatunga. I decided to do something about it and donate sun hats to help them.”
The initiative was coordinated with the Village Development Committee (VDC), which identified students in need. The donation which amounted to P2100, was targeted at learners who walk significant distances daily, with some traveling between 20 and 24 kilometers, a round trip that can take up more than 4 hours on foot.
Many of these children come from Koromo and Setatunga and attend schools in Thito, Tawana, and Boseja, enduring extreme heat and fatigue.
According to Selegeng Molaletsi, a VDC representative from Koromo, financial hardship prevents many students from affording transport. “A lot of these children walk through the sun because they cannot pay for rides to school,” she said.
Molaletsi further emphasized the physical and academic toll, explaining that most students leave home by 6 AM to reach school on time. Some who leave late end up arriving late, which affects their concentration and overall academic performance. Additionally, after school, they still have household chores, further draining their energy.
While 61 children benefited from the donation, Molaletsi stressed that many more face similar challenges, appealing for more community support. He urged local stakeholders to provide transportation solutions, as some children occasionally get lifts, but most rely on walking. Kumule concluded by calling on the community to assist in securing stable transport for affected students, emphasizing the importance of easing their daily struggle to ensure they receive an education.
Long commutes have severe implications for children’s education and well-being. According to IIEP-UNESCO, students who take more than 30 minutes to walk to school are 50% more likely to drop out compared to those with shorter commutes. The physical toll of long walks results in fatigue, lateness, and difficulty concentrating in class, ultimately leading to poorer academic performance. The Steve Sinnott Foundation highlights that in some cases, children walk up to 18 km per day, often on an empty stomach, increasing their risk of malnutrition and dehydration. The distance barrier also contributes to gender inequality in education, as girls are more likely to miss school or drop out due to safety concerns and household responsibilities
