01 Dec 2014

Ten primary schools have received a shot in the arm; thanks to Kabelano Trust, which blessed the schools with P50, 000 each on November 28.

The money was derived from the Barclays Kabelano Charity spectacular that was held in August this year. The tournament was won by Township Rollers after beating Mochudi Centre Chiefs in penalty shootout in the final.

Speaking at handing over of cheques, Barclays Bank Botswana managing director, Reinette van der Merwe said through partnership with Kabelano Charitable Trust, they sought to buttress their social investment driving principle that they were a financial institution that was part of the economic and social fabric of the nation.

She said as the ‘Go-To’ bank for Batswana, they wanted to be the force for good as they endeavor to help Batswana to achieve their ambitions in the right way. She said the onus was on them as a bank to help Batswana to have meaningful livelihoods with improved quality life.

This year, she said they have decided to target educational institutions, specifically primary schools in remote and rural areas, as beneficiaries this year because as the institution, they have the responsibility to educate, shape and nurture this country’s future leaders, scientists, doctors, and teacher.

She saidthey picked out the primary schools, since many of them do not have basic tools to provide the level of education required to keep up with today’s rapidly changing world.

She said computers, photocopiers, internet connectivity and fax machines are essential, if schools are to educate and prepare young students for today’s world.

Van der Merwe further said her bank has received many requests from schools across Botswana looking for basic equipment such as computers and photocopiers.

“My colleagues through our robust colleague volunteering program have this year alone given back to over fifty schools across Botswana,” she said.

For his part, Kabelo Trust Chairperson, Terence Dambe said all the recipients of the funds are schools that are in need of financial assistance as they provide education under challenging circumstances.

He said the importance of education cannot be over emphasised therefore as people they look to the future of the country, they need to work as Batswana to support schools.

Dambe said majority of professionals in Botswana were the beneficiaries of some form of assistance from government in attaining their education, therefore all have a duty to return the favour to the nation by supporting young people who are keen
to reach where we are in life.

“Kabelano was formed in 1995 by a group of young professionals who were keen to give back to the community. It is for this reason that we are elated to be able to make these donations as we feel that we are in a way repaying back the investment in the form of education that was made in each of us by our country,” he said.

He said it is therefore, paramount that the beneficiaries use the money for the benefit of the school and students.

“I cannot begin to claim that I fully understand the needs of your schools that necessitate donations such as this. I can only hope it will go some way to meeting your challenges,” he further said.

Furthermore, Dambe stated that teaching can be a stressful and sometimes thankless profession at the best of times, adding personally he has the utmost admiration for the teachers who dedicate themselves to imparting knowledge to their students, sometimes in very challenging environments or conditions.

We can only hope that each and every single teacher realises the influence they command over their students and are therefore conscious of the vital role they play in the development of young people.

On other issues, Dambe said next year Kabelano Trust will enter its 20th year of existence, saying it has been a long road, littered with many challenges. He
however said the trust will continue to work very hard for the benefit of the
nation.

Meanwhile, the ten primary schools that benefited are Boyei, Bonewamang, Chukumuchu, East Hanahai, Khonkhwa, Kutumagoree, Maape, Moroka, Rapplespan and Shorobe. ENDS