12 May 2014

 Matobo Village Development Committee (VDC) has commended government for its continued efforts to improve lives of Batswana who lived in abject poverty.

The VDC chairperson, Ms Emily Matolela said in an interview that government had come up with empowerment programmes geared towards bettering the lives of the disadvantaged.

Ms Matolela indicated that programmes such as backyard gardening, rearing of small stock; poultry, bakery, fashion design and others, were some of the projects that had uplifted lives of some Batswana.

Thus, she encouraged Batswana to continue to take advantage of such programmes to reduce the number of beneficiaries supported by the council. “Beneficiaries of these programmes need to show determination and commitment to ensure that projects make a difference in their lives,” she said.

She further advised youth to desist from the notion that poverty eradication programmes were for the old and illiterate.  Ms Matolela also encouraged youth to visit relevant offices to seek information about the programmes.

She further praised the Botswana National Service Programme (BNSP), also known as Tirelo Sechaba, saying the initiative addressed some challenges faced by youth such as unemployment.

Again, she said the programme would keep youth off the streets and enable them to participate in the development of their communities. Meanwhile, Ms Matolela expressed concern about littering around the village, adding that although Tutume sub-council took time to collect litter, residents should also take responsibility in disposing of litter wisely.

She also encouraged residents to use designated areas to dispose litter so that they did not put lives of other community members and livestock around the village at risk. Ends