20 Oct 2014

Private and public sector stakeholders continue to work together to create a conducive learning environment to secure a better future for children.

Thus, Debswana’s head of legal department, Mrs Ludo Tema commended Joe’s Electrical, the Gospel of God’s Grace Ministries (3G) and AON Botswana for their contributions towards the establishment of a pre-school for children with visual challenges.

She was speaking at the official handing over ceremony of a pre-school to Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB) in Mochudi on October 17. Debswana also donated P50 000 to the centre to support their current efforts of providing education to children with visual challenges.

She said the centre used the annual donations of P50 000 from Mr Joseph Peloetetse of Joe’s Electrical, which he had been making to the centre since 2010 to renovate a house into a hostel for pre-school children.

Mrs Tema further applauded 3G Ministries for the donation of the screen wall which was constructed with the sum of P50 000 while additional hostel renovations, play and kitchen equipment was donated by AON Botswana.

“I am informed that Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe made a substantial donation of P10 000, which together with contributions from Mrs Sandra Seretse of RFT, Dr Boikanyo of DRCB, Ms Anamika Singh from Ba Isago University and the Botswana Bureau of Standards amount of P60 000 used for the paving of the pre-school grounds,” said Mrs Tema.

She noted that the contributions had paved a way for all corporate companies to follow in helping children with visual impairment, more so that a few days ago DTC Botswana had also donated a substantial donation to the centre.

As a result, he called all stakeholders to help the centre raise the P11 million which they need to build a fully-fledged and enhanced resource centre especially that dozens of children with visual challenges in various parts of the country were at home, struggling with learning in schools that did not have appropriate facilities.

“A person with disability is simply differently abled, and has to be given the opportunity, like any other person, to enjoy the benefits of life and development, “stated Mrs Tema. 

The director of MRCB, Mrs Sophie Moalosi ran short of words to express her gratitude towards the generous contributions of donors who continue to support the centre. Mrs Moalosi said, five years ago the centre was struggling and the challenges were that they were mistaken to be a hostel only. 

She further said this led them to come up with a strategic plan which helped them to be what they are today. She thanked the donors, Joe’s Electrical, 3G Ministries and Aon Botswana for giving the children these gifts which would go a long way in securing a better future for them.

Mrs Moalosi elaborated that they never made proposals to these donors, but they were giving from their heart and that the contributions would remain memorable in their lives and the history of the centre. 

Director of the department of special support services, Mr Leonard Mutheto appreciated the donations as they give hope to the visually challenged children. 

Mr Mutheto said private sector participation in education and skills development makes a better future for these children as they support the Vision 2016 pillar of ‘an educated and informed nation’ together with compassion and care shown towards the children. 

Mr Mutheto said Botswana inclusive education policy of 2011 had its overall goal to achieve an inclusive education system which provides children, young people and adults with access to relevant, high quality education which enables them to learn effectively. 

He said the provision of learning services would be made by agencies other than the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, hence they will support them. ENDS