10 Sep 2015

Parents have been urged to contribute towards the operational costs of the vehicle that was donated to Pandamatenga Primary School by the Bangladesh Embassy in May.

The vehicle has never been used as the school has no money to purchase fuel or employ a driver. During a consultative meeting convened to seek solutions, the councillor for Pandamatenga, Mr Tengenyane Tuelo urged parents to contribute to ensure that the vehicle was being used.

The school head, Ms Olaotse Tautona complained that the school performed poorly in the past year because the majority of pupils had to travel long distance to school daily. This, she added, had resulted in pupils arriving late and missing some lessons.

The vehicle is currently driven by a volunteer, but the main challenge is fuel. Twenty-three parents have contributed financially to the operation of the vehicle.. One of the parents, Mr John Tumane said others could not afford to contribute the set P200 due to unemployment.

The deputy chief of Pandamatenga, Kgosi Fanyana Mafikizolo encouraged parents to work as a team together with the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) as well as the Village Development Committee (VDC) to raise funds and to seek assistance from relevant stakeholders within the community.

Meanwhile, Chobe District education director, Mr Sonny Mooketsi acknowledged that he was aware of the situation, and said the ministry would assist with the servicing of the vehicle. The Member of Parliament for Chobe, Mr Ronald Shamukuni pledged P1 000 every month to help the school.

It was decided that parents who could afford to contribute the requested P200 must do so, while others were asked to contribute the little they have. ENDS