20 Oct 2014

The Chinese Embassy has donated P175 000 to The Eagle Trust for the purchasing of exercising equipment.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Zheng Zhuqiang said the equipment would be used to increase physical activity for learners, which included increasing muscle strength, muscle tone, fight obesity and improve self-esteem.

Mr Zheng said the Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana (CACB) has partnered with The Eagle Trust for the development of the Life Skills Project, which was launched in Gaborone on Friday. 

He said through the partnership, the association would like to see the country accomplishing its 2016 vision of being an educated  and informed nation, a compassionate, just and caring nation, as well as a secure and healthy nation.

For his part, the Acting Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Vincent Seretse said he was happy to witness the launch of the Life Skills Project by CACB.

Mr Seretse said the Chinese community has in the past participated in a number of projects in the country which included the refurbishment of Mogoditshane clinic, the SOS Children’s Village and sponsored Batswana students to study in China.

He said Botswana and China enjoy cordial relations and fruitful cooperation as way back as 1975.  Mr Seretse said he was happy that the donation came at a time when government was in the process of developing people living with disability, adding that sustainable development could only be achieved through active participation of communities.

The acting minister commended the association for setting an example for the business community in Botswana. He also urged other capable communities to emulate them by giving back to the community.

Giving a vote of thanks, the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Keletso Rakhudu thanked those people who came to support people living with disability during the project launch, adding that he was looking forward for more communities to assist them.  ENDS