04 Aug 2014

There is need to extend the benefits of information and communication technology to people living with disabilities.

BotswanaPost chief executive officer, Mr Pele Maleta said this during the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ community service day at the Ramotswa Centre of the Deaf on August 1.

During the same event, BotswanaPost donated electronic equipments, which Mr Maleta said would assist in the teaching of the students and breaking a communication barrier with the deaf community.

However, he said the donation will not address all the challenges faced by the school authority but will add value to the students’ lives.

Further, he added that the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), which also falls under the ministry of Transport and Communications, will connect the school to the internet.

This, he said will help the school and the staff to take full advantage of the opportunities that can improve learning.

Further, Mr Maleta noted that it is important that all members of the society come to the aide of those indeed to help them to a better future.
Earlier when welcoming guests, the school head, Ms Baleti Tlhalerwa said they admit students from various parts of the country.

However, she said over the years, the students have been performing below average because they have to use the same syllabus and curriculum as those in the mainstream schools.

Further, she said this remains a challenge for the school as mainstream syllabus does not cater for the needs of the students that the school admit.

Currently, Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf has 89 students but Ms Tlhalerwa said they cannot expand their enrolment due to shortage of accommodation.

She said this is despite that there is need for their service in the country hence she said there is need for the community to come to their rescue.
Among those that Botswana Post donated were two pull-down screen, projector, laptop, printer and digital camera.

The community services day was attended by the staff from the ministry as well as its parastatals and they helped to clean the children’s hostels and pick litter in the school vicinity. ENDS