08 Sep 2015

The adopt-a-school initiative is not for the rich or big companies, but every individual who sees the need to volunteer, share skills and make an impact in the lives of the future generation.The Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow made the statement when officially opening the Sese Primary School library and creative learning centre.

 “Adopting a school does not necessarily mean donating goods only, as you can still do that with the help of your hands,” she said.

The minister challenged individuals and other stakeholders to partake in the initiative, which seek to address challenges in schools and to create a conducive learning environment. Dr Dow added that simple tasks such as volunteering to help pupils with their assignments and cleaning and polishing classrooms were part of the initiative. 

She commended the sponsors of the 2014 bush walk who made it possible to construct the learning centre and library, stating that their partnership with the primary school needs to be natured. 

Dr Dow said the gesture also attests to her ministry’s strategic goals of maintaining relevance in education, equitable access to learning and improving learning in creative arts among others.

Sese, is approximately 10km from Jwaneng and its primary school has over 800 pupils.

In her remarks, one of the sponsors, Stanbic Bank’s public relations manager, Ms Ruth Modisane said they were proud to be part of an initiative which would see positive effects in years to come.

 She said Stanbic Bank has a long standing commitment to better the communities in which it operates.

 “In the busy lives we all lead, it is easy to forget the simple things that bring joy. An educated child, a school is a place that puts the well-being and needs of children at the forefront,” she noted.

Ms Modisane added that it was the responsibility of every citizen to empower children. She said as a bank they hope to bring greater awareness of the need for teaching in society, and to show the importance of education. 

She further said the learning centre and library would have an impact in the lives of the pupils and the community.

Through the library and learning centre, she said they were promoting Jwaneng and the surrounding areas as a tourism destination for local and international tourists. She commended the team behind the initiative, which managed to engage individuals and corporates to raise funds through the bush walk for the benefit of the project. 

Meanwhile, the bank donated a box of soxes and stationery to the pupils.The organiser of the bush walk, Mr Archibald Ngakayagae said it all started as a dream to have an impact in the community.

He said with his partner, Mr Amy Benson they identified the absence of a library and creative centre in the school, and they organised the sponsored walk to raise funds to build the facilities. He said he was optimistic that the facilities, which include a mobile library, carpentry workshop, sewing machines and tools would go a long way in equipping pupils with crafts and creative handy work. Ends