18 Jun 2014

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) junior command and staff course class II of 2014 recently donated winter school uniforms to underprivileged students at Camp Primary School in Gaborone.

The school uniforms cost a total of P7 750 and were handed over to 12 beneficiary students who were identified by the school management. The presents included shoes, socks, gloves, woolen caps and school track suits.

Speaking during the handover, the staff coordinator of the Defense Command and Staff College, Col Mompoloki Nkgapha, said the donation was an act of compassion that demonstrated a spirit of togetherness.

He said the junior command and staff course class II of 2014 was honored to extend a helping hand to disadvantaged members of the community.

He added that the act was an effort to uphold the third pillar of Vision 2016, which talks about a compassionate, just and caring nation.

“We have come a long way and we have been showing compassion to other needy communities across the country. There are many challenges and we can’t solve them all but if we all work together towards promoting the pillars of vision 2016, then our children will have a better future,” he said.

Col Nkgapha said it was important to teach children about the importance of education at a young age. BDF also cleared all the sporting fields at Camp Primary School to enable children to participate in sporting activities.

Col Nkgapha said sports should be encouraged in schools as it improves fitness. “We have to see to it that we prepare a bright future for our children because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. Parents and guardians were also there to accept the gifts on behalf on their children.

The Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mr Mhalodi, thanked the BDF for blessing the children at a time when they needed help the most. “The uniforms will motivate the children to work hard at school. Your act of compassion complements the nationwide appeal to eradicate poverty,” he said.

The children were delighted to receive their new winter uniforms and they were encouraged to show the same compassion and love to others in the future. ENDS