18 Oct 2015

BotswanaPost Foundation has donated 500 desks worth over P230 000 to primary school children in Gaborone through a project called ‘Deskbuddys for students.’

Deskbuddy is a portable study desk designed for pupils who do not have study tables. It is made of a board with a fitted LED light which is placed on the users lap to hold a book or a laptop.

Presenting the donation, BotswanaPost Foundation board chairperson, Ms Tshisimogo Lekaukau said the foundation was established and registered in 2011 with the main aim of uplifting communities where they do business.

She said the key priority of the foundation was to finance projects in the education sector citing youth, arts and culture, community development, environment and Information Communication Technology (ICT).“Of all the areas referred, education has had the largest share of the foundation support,” said Ms Lekaukau.

She said the project aimed at transforming the studying experience of children and enhancing their educational performance.

The idea, she added, came about upon realisation that there were still instances where children at schools and homes faced the challenge of uncomfortable study environment.

“It is my great expectation and sincere hope to see improved academic performance as well as the attitude towards study from the beneficiaries,” said Ms Lekaukau.

She said although the foundation did not have all the money they needed, they were able to do little gestures through the continuous support of the funding partners both individuals and businesses.Ms Lekaukau commended BotswanaPost board chairperson for raising funds for the foundation through the annual chairperson’s Golf Day. She said “the event is the single largest contributor to the foundation coffers.”

Receiving the donation, Ms Rapelang Bogatsu, the chief education officer expressed the ministry’s gratitude for having been chosen as the beneficiaries.

She said it was the responsibility of the ministry to provide quality education accessible to all, but that the reality was that the ministry alone could not do so. 

“We are therefore very grateful to such partners, as BotswanaPost, who helped us achieve this,” she said.

Ms Bogatsu emphasised the importance of education. She noted that the ministry was playing a pivotal role by exposing student’s talents and gifts both academically and by giving them an opportunity to excel.

She encouraged other members of the corporate world, public, businesses and individuals to emulate BotswanaPost and partner with them. Ends