11 Aug 2014

The Chinese ambassador to Botswana, Mr Zhuqiang Zheng says information and communication technology (ICT) has brought revolutionary changes to the whole world

Speaking at the launch ceremony of internet connectivity and excellence performance celebration for Polokwe Primary School, Mr Zheng said the internet and other technologies were changing the way business was conducted, politics were pursued, culture was shared and individuals communicated with each other

He said with internet, both the teachers and learners would easily be linked to the outer world and the most advanced academic achievements, which would largely broaden the horizon and endow the capability to keep up with high-level competitiveness.

Mr Zheng said the Chinese Embassy decided to help Polokwe Primary School by donating the internet equipment and connectivity to advance the education quality to a greater height.

He urged them to take full advantage of these innovations and technologies and achieve more academic excellence in future,’’ he said.

The ambassador noted that China and Botswana enjoy a friendly relationship for almost 40 years, noting that the Botswana government is making efforts in achieving one of the pillars of vision 2016, of an Educated and Informed Nation.

Mr Zheng stated China provides more than 80 government scholarships for Batswana students to pursue higher education in China.

The Chinese government has already donated and adopted two primary schools in Serowe and Maun and is willing to build two more in the coming years.

The Chinese embassy also donated books and school bags to students, and promised to continue to work with Botswana by playing a more active role in enhancing education exchange and cooperation.

For her part, the school head, Ms Adelalde Ikgopoleng, said the school has been doing well for the past five years with a 100 per cent A passes.

She said they were blessed to have a well-organised and hard working Parent Teachers Association (PTA).PTA chairperson, Mr Molefi Sepapi noted that parents in Polokwe assist students during their day to day activities including academic work and the school received goats and chickens from community to be used by students during their agricultural projects.

Chief education officer for Moshupa Sub district, Mr Gofenya Ponoesele said the school has been adopted by Barclays bank while the Chinese Embassy also donated computers and planted trees.

He encouraged learners to work hard and top other 20 schools in the region.For his part, Kgosi Oscar Mosielele of Moshupa encouraged parents and teachers to work jointly towards their children’s education. Ends