GIS Soccer ACE!

May 19, 2021

Women’s football continues to grow in popularity around the world, and Gaborone International School (GIS) is proud to announce that their very own fourteen-year-old Palesa Mokopakgosi was recently chosen for the u/17 National Woman Squad. 

She said that she was amazed and extremely excited to be given the opportunity to play with this very talented team. “I’m grateful to be selected out of many girls for this exciting opportunity”, she expressed. She continued to say that she felt very honoured that the coach saw something in her skill and talent to allow her to be part of this dynamic and talented group of payers. 
 
Palesa believes in hard work and embraces the life skills soccer teaches her. She believes that there is a synergy on and off the field. “Soccer teaches not only teamwork, perseverance, and decision making, that I’ll be able to apply to all aspects of my life, but also helps me to learn to weather the ups and downs of life, anticipate opportunities and how to work with my peers to solve different challenges on the field. Most of all, I appreciate how playing this game connects me with a variety of talented peers, who has a love for this sport”, she says. 

Sport such as soccer is a powerful tool for engaging youngsters and by putting the focus on fun. When asked how Palesa got hooked to the sport she smiled and said: “soccer chose me”. She says that she enjoys all forms of sport. “I love to be active but the opportunity to be scouted by a soccer club and then chosen to take a larger step into this sporting code shows me that God had chosen this pathway for me and I’m really grateful.”  

Palesa always shows a positive attitude when approaching a game. When preparing for a game she says that she knows that she has done the work to be physically prepared. “You need to put in the hours and practise your skills. The more you train the better your chances will be to transform your skills into talent that scouts will value for a national or international team. You will have to cultivate a growth mindset and acknowledge that there is always a skill or trend that you can learn to improve your game. Be prepared to adjust your goalpost and constantly strive to improve your skills and be prepared to learn from the best”. 

Additionally, your physical training is just as important as your mental preparation. “I never go into a game thinking I am the best because I know that the people, I’m meeting on the field are probably just as good as I am or probably even better. Also, their skills will push me again to be a better player and you need a mindset that will prepare you for the ups and downs on the field. Being open-minded allows you to take criticism for what it is, a suggestion to help you improve your game. You can learn more when you listen to suggestions and discuss various options. Do not be defensive, stay positive and remember in an intense game when tempers flare, to always talk it out. If you enjoy the path of playing your favourite sport, the satisfaction will be enormous and the sacrifice will be worth it”, she exclaims.

Quick Firing Questions:
  • Favourite Player : The G.O.A.T Lionel Messi
  • Favourite Team : La Liga Santander is FC Barcelona and in English Premier League is Manchester United 
  • Who inspires me : My mom, because she taught me things that I never thought were possible to have experienced. As an African child she gave me opportunities that I only saw happen in the movies. She continuously tells me that she is proud to be my mother and looks up to me, which makes me feel loved and appreciated. She gives me strength in moments of dismay, she gives me hope that the bad things in the world can be changed and she inspires me to continue being the best I can be.  
  • Quote I live by : I always tell myself that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
  • A special thanks go to : My Mom and Dad, my two older brothers Marang and Phatsimo, and my entire extended family for believing in me. My friends in school and in the neighbourhood, the school head of sports Mrs Makuyana as well as all my teachers for their support, my coaches at UB Kicks and the National team Coaches for this amazing opportunity. A BIG THANKS!
GIS is extremely proud of Palesa and we wish her and the National team all the best for the season! 

By Gaborone International School 03 May, 2024
Mindfulness A fast-paced workplace where one is always overwhelmed with packed schedules, deadlines to meet and never having downtime, can contribute to burnout and ineffective discharge of duties. One of the ways in which this can be mitigated is by practicing mindfulness . What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is an act of meditation which teaches the practitioner to be present and not to let their mind wander. Practicing this form of meditation can bring many benefits and help reduce stress and improve memory. Through mindfulness you may be able to focus on the positive things in your life and give less energy to the things that may be harmful to you either mentally or physically. If left to its own devices, the mind will wander, and this can be a problem if you are trying to complete tasks to your full potential. If you can condition your mind to focus, you will be able to give everything you do a lot of attention, and this will help in creating the best output. The mind needs to be trained and mindfulness is a good practice to train your mind to focus on one thing at a time and give it your all. Mindfulness can be done to help you connect with yourself and your inner peace. It is beneficial to everyone; whether spiritual, religious or those who do not believe in a higher power at all. It is just a way to connect with yourself. Some experts believe that through mindfulness you will be able to accept your life experiences and work through them rather than avoiding them. You can couple this with therapy and be able to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. The beauty of this practice is that it can be done at any time, once you start getting used to the action. The easiest way to start is to find a quiet place and focus on your breathing. You have to breath intentionally and do not be hard on yourself if your mind starts to wonder, just bring yourself back to focusing on your breathing. The Benefits of Mindfulness Some of the benefits of mindfulness are that it improves mental health , it can help to reduce stress and even elevate your mood. It has been known to be used in the treatment of anxiety or depression. If you can live in the moment, it can help you not over to think situations or dwell on negative experiences. You can also control your emotions through the practice of mindfulness which can help if you have anger issues or have problems managing your stress levels. It is also helpful for lowering your heart rate because you will be breathing deeply therefore preventing health issues. The other benefits are being able to be calm in different situations and this type of focus can help you perform better at work or at school. Being able to be present allows for better performance because you will not be easily distracted and can complete the task at hand. Mindfulness also helps with creativity which can be a benefit when it comes to problem solving. You will be able to come up with new ways to help yourself and others. Furthermore, mindfulness can help you sleep better. If you are not constantly thinking about random things you will be able to fall asleep quicker and get an adequate amount of sleep which is important for mental health. According to Harvard health, mindfulness can improve physical health too, it can help reduce chronic pain and improve inflammation. In conclusion, mindfulness is a great tool to help heal your mind and body subsequently, increasing the quality of life and making it easier to handle stressful situations. Through mindfulness you can become an overall better person.
By Gaborone International School 25 Apr, 2024
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
By Gaborone International School 06 Mar, 2024
In the dynamic realm of education, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping instructional methods and the learning experience at Gaborone International School (GIS ). From early childhood to higher education, technology permeates every facet of modern learning and unlocks diverse possibilities. 1. Early Computing Exposure: In the past, computer literacy was delayed to later schooling stages, but GIS prioritises early technology exposure. Even our youngest learners engage with educational software , mastering fundamental computer skills before literacy in traditional subjects. This early exposure not only equips them with essential tools but also cultivates comfort and adaptability in the digital era. 2. Online Research Integration: The internet allows GIS students to explore diverse subjects and access academic resources beyond textbooks. Platforms like Google Scholar empower students to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. 3. Educational Video Utilization: Platforms like YouTube serve as invaluable educational resources, offering diverse content across subjects. Supervised video viewing supplements classroom instruction, catering to various learning styles. For example, science teachers use YouTube to demonstrate chemical reactions, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation among students. 4. Robotics Integration: GIS' Science and Technology lab transcends theoretical learning, incorporating robotics for practical application. Students engage in experiential learning by building and programming robots, honing problem-solving skills across physics, engineering, and programming. 5. Enhanced Parental Engagement: Technology bridges school and home , facilitating smooth communication and parental involvement. Online platforms enable virtual school meetings, real-time access to academic reports, and effortless communication with teachers, strengthening the home-school partnership. In conclusion, technology has become integral at GIS , reshaping education and enriching the learning experience. From early childhood to advanced learning, technology empowers students to thrive in the digital age and beyond.
More Posts
Share by: