07 Sep 2015

Member of Parliament for Bobonong, Mr Shaw Kgathi has praised the Bobonong Community and Home Based Care Trust (BCHBCT) for being efficient in their execution of duties.

Speaking during a fundraising dinner at Matshekge Senior Secondary School recentlyy to raise P115 000 for the construction of an orphan and vulnerable centre, Mr Kgathi said the trust was the first in the country to come with the initiative of a home based care. He added that  they gone the extra mile of introducing a centre for psychological support to cater for orphans and vulnerable children.

Mr Kgathi, who is also the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, said the issue of orphanage and vulnerability was made worse by the breakdown of families, children losing parents due to diseases, accidents and other factors.

He appealed to residents and BCHBCT not to stigmatise and stereotype the centre.

He said in the past issues of orphanage and vulnerability were not pronounced because families were intact and extended families provided cover in times of need.

He added that orphaned and vulnerable children were exacerbated by complexities of the modern world and greed and called on families to play their role.   

The MP said upon completion of the centre, it must be utilised and not become a white elephant. He urged the trust to engage the marketing officer to advertise activities of the centre.

Mr Kgathi further commended the European Union for funding the project to the tune of over P500 000 with the matching requirement of P115 000 being raised by the centre.

He also implored residents, especially those who work outside Bobirwa, to plough back into the community by supporting initiatives such as the building of the centre.

Mr Kgathi promised to support the construction of the centre, and that he would lobby companies to contribute funds towards its construction.

Kwa Tuli Lodge, through Mr Kgathi, contributed P10 000, Business Botswana president, Mr Lekwalo Mosienyane also contributed P2 000 while businessman, Mr Sediba Petros pledged P1 000.

The minister also said his councillors would contribute towards the construction of the centre.

The trusts chairperson, Ms Masedi Botumile said the trust was established 20 years ago and has been providing home based care to the sick. She added that they want to diversify their services by introducing a centre to cater for orphans and vulnerable children. Ends