13 May 2014

In an effort to contribute towards education, G4S and Sefalana companies have donated P14 000 worth of books, and P5 000 worth of chairs and tables to Philip Moshotle Primary School in Gaborone.

When handing over the books, the managing director of G4S, Mr Michael Kampani said the initiative was a partnership between G4S, Botswana Book Project and Philip Moshotle Primary School that started last year in an effort to make a difference in the community.

Mr Kampani said that they raised the funds through contributions from among themselves, and through a sponsored walk before approaching the school regarding how they could help.

He said it was their desire to help the country and its people and their contribution was meant to secure a bright future for the next generation.

Their gesture was also in line with the ideals of the national Vision 2016 of ‘an educated and informed nation.’

Philip Moshotle school head Ms Elizabeth Ramolemana said that it was a welcome donation and hoped that it was just the beginning of a long term relationship between them, G4S and other partners.

She said they really appreciated the gesture and were happy to receive the books and hope they would help in improving the school results.

Also speaking at the event, Senior lecturer at the University of Botswana’s English Department, Dr Rose Letsholo said students did not read despite the fact that there was a library within the school.

Dr Letsholo, who is a co-director in the Botswana Book Project, a charitable organization founded by Ms Pam Shelton, said one definite reason that could account for poor academic performance was the poor culture of reading.

She said that the calibre of students who ended up in her class was way below what she would expect at university level in terms of communication skills, particularly the writing aspect.

Dr Letsholo said there were few books in the library some of which were not relevant for primary school level. She also observed that the few books available in the library were also not properly shelved.

She also donated a laptop to be used for cataloging the books as well as a book that guides the process of cataloging and a number  of books from USA meant for several schools around the country. ENDS