18 May 2014

Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Keletso Rakhudu has encouraged the commercial sector to embrace the Adopt-A-School project to assist government with maintenance matters in schools.

Officiating during the project follow-up programme arranged by Builders Warehouse in Gaborone, Mr Rakhudu said a strong partnership between the commercial sector and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development would contribute to the growth of educational development.

He noted that the commercial sector had a strong monetary muscle to elevate schools’ infrastructures, mainly on maintenance routines and other routines that would be apt since parents and teachers association committees did not have sufficient funds for refurbishments.

“PTA does not have sufficient fiscal means, they count on volunteerism” Mr Rakhudu said. He also commended Builders Warehouse Corporate Social Investment (CSI) team for its magnificent effort to assist Ikageng Primary School.

He encouraged the company to redouble their efforts to leave no stones unturned in the implementation of Adopt –A-School project.

Again, he encouraged Builders Warehouse to re-dedicate and remain committed to live the ideals and aspirations of the project.

“The call for participation to Adopt-A-School project is not only confined to commercial sectors but even at family levels,” he said. Mr Rakhudu said he has pledged thatching grass to Ikageng Primary School for their under construction traditional roundavel.

Meanwhile, Branch Manager for Builders Warehouse, Mr Christopher Vengesa said it was their obligation that all the current opened stores being in Gaborone and Francistown embrace Adopt-A-School project.

“Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of our core business,” he said.

Mr Vengesa said in Gaborone they have adopted three primary schools namely, Ikageng Primary School, Tshwaragano Primary school and Phillip Moshotle Primary School.

“In 2011 Builders Warehouse donated P20 000 to all the adopted schools and today’s event marks our first follow up to these three adopted schools,” he said.

The school head, Ms Maureen Ketlogetswe extended her gratitude to the noble gesture shown by Builders Warehouse.

Ms Ketlogetswe said they were faced with many challenges in their school such as, shortage of classrooms, no computer laboratory as well as peeling paintings that need immediate attendance.

Furthermore, she said with the donated P20 000, the school has managed to construct a paved assembly area.

The day’s activities included, fitting light bulbs in classrooms, fitting mirrors in ablution blocks and replacing worn out locks and painting walls and doors. ENDS