26 Aug 2014

The president of the Anglican Mothers’ Union, Ms Amogelang Rakwadi has encouraged women of prayer to unite and always extend a helping hand when there is need.

Speaking at the church’s mothers’ union annual conference of the province of Central Africa held in Matsiloje from August 21-24, Ms Rakwadi said as mothers, women should always avail themselves in times of need regardless of the religion of the recipient.

She said the country was faced with a challenge of orphans and needy children from across all religions therefore Anglican women should extend their assistance.

Ms Rakwadi noted that the church through its centre in Mahalapye was helping a total of 424 children from different church denominations.

She explained that 107 children were orphans aged from 2 1/2 years to 6 years and were enrolled in the day care centre, 67 of them were those living with HIV and 250 were those who were assisted to counsel each other through the word of God.

Ms Rakwadi however noted that the day care centre was faced with shortage of transport for the children as the mini buses used were very old.

On other issues, Ms Rakwadi noted that government was concerned about the sluggishness within the public service.

She urged those employed in the public service to bring a change at their place of work as lack of productivity did not only affect the public but their church projects as well.

On behalf of the union, Ms Rakwadi handed over toiletry for the 81 needy students at Matsiloje junior secondary school.

For his part The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Botswana, Reverend Metlhayotlhe Beleme called on churches to pray against crime, same sex marriages, alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in the country.

Bishop Beleme said during his courtesy call to the President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama expressed a concern about the mushrooming of churches that are after people’s hard earned money.

He called on women and the Christian community at large to pray against those bogus churches as they impoverish Batswana.

Tati East MP, Mr Guma Moyo noted the need for a transformation of values adding that children should be protected and cared for because by doing so the value of the nation will be preserved.

He commended the mothers’ union for the Mahalapye centre adding that their gesture was a true reflection of the love, which is considered the greatest commandment in the bible.

Mr Moyo said where there is love the country is assured of stability as everybody will consider each other as a brother.

The MP donated a mini bus to be used in the transportation of children at the mothers’ union centre in Mahalapye.

In his remarks, Kgosi Eric Moipolai applauded the mothers’ union for the toiletry donation saying the area was faced with a challenge of poverty that was worsened by the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

He nonetheless said the village did not only have material needs but also needed spiritual intervention as it was faced with issues of children(girls) deserting school at both the primary and secondary school in order to cohabite with elder men. Ends