23 Jul 2014

Standard Chartered Bank Botswana (SCBB) recently reiterated their commitment to achieving universal access to seven years basic education by signing a partnership agreement with Boswa Primary School under the theme “gearing towards an educated, prosperous, productive and innovative nation by 2016 and beyond”.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, area Member of Parliament Mr Botsalo Ntuane thanked SCBB for offering assistance to the school and pupils which is in line with government’s Adopt a School initiative. He also urged parents to be part of the initiative and support efforts from stakeholders. 

As she signed the agreement in front of students and other stakeholders, the school head, Mrs Julia Lubinda said the occasion marked the beginning of a long term relationship between the school and the bank.

Head of Corporate Affairs at SCBB, Ms Itumeleng Ramsden said that the partnership was a demonstration of the bank’s motto, “here for good” and a way of implementing the bank’s objectives of achieving universal access to seven years basic education and student retention through alleviation of poverty in partnership with stakeholders by 2016 and beyond. 

“Our objective is to improve the relevance and quality of basic education by 2016 and beyond and also prepare students to be financially responsible through promotion of participation, transparency and less dependence on government,” she said.

Mrs Ramsden also urged parents and the community to support their children’s education in order to improve academic results. For his part, SCBB’s Head of Employee Banking and New Business, Mr Jenamo Abueng said the bank is committed to financially assisting the school to meet all its needs. 

He further revealed that they intend to host a couple of workshops during which they will promote financial literacy and a culture of saving among pupils and the community. 

Mr Abueng said SCBB member of staff have individually contributed finances to assist needy and less privileged pupils with school uniforms. 

He added that the bank will set up a tuck-shop and provide start-up capital for a sustainable project for the school’s fund raising initiatives.

“We plan to leave a lasting legacy in Boswa Primary School. The funds generated from these fund raising initiatives will be used to assist needy students,” he said.

SCBB also pledged to provide Molaodi Mohokole, a pupil at the school with a rare kidney condition, with P700 every month to purchase special food stuffs.

Molaodi was diagnosed with this condition, which causes inflammation of the whole body, in November 2013. He is currently undergoing treatment. ENDS