28 Oct 2015

Ministry of Education and Skills Development official, Ms Bernadette Kabasiya has applauded the Adopt a School programme saying it is critical to the advancement of scholarship and learning in the country particularly in remote areas.

Speaking during Adopt a School launch and  prize giving  of Monong Primary School, Ms Kabasiya said the adaptation of the school by International Computer Limited (ICL) Botswana complements ongoing efforts by the government to empower and develop communities to strengthen the education system.

She said the initiative answers government’s call for meaningful partnerships between schools and entities such as businesses or civic organisations.

The initiative, she said had seen a number of pledges from various sectors of the economy and individual members of the society partner with various schools in the country in an effort to improve the education system.

She said through the initiative, there had been compact relationship between schools and private organisations which had resulted in the maintenance of dilapidated buildings, donations of books and sporting equipment all of which enhances the daily learning of the students.

Ms Kabasiya commended ICL-Botswana for partnering with Monong community as that would encourage children to embrace a life that includes the joy of reading, a passion for knowledge and the delight of life-long learning.

She was hopeful that the relationship between ICL-Botswana and Monong Primary School would enhance the learning process and contribute towards improving the school’s academic results.

Meanwhile, a representative from ICL-Botswana, Ms Thapelo Monageng stated that ICL-Botswana has a corporate social responsibility programme through which they identify community needs or project they can support hence the adoption of Monong Primary School.

She said ICL-Botswana saw it fitting to respond to government’s call to involve communities and the corporate world to uplift the country’s education sector after a notable decline in the academic performance.

Ms Monageng remained optimistic that the partnership between ICL and the school would propel the school to better academic achievements only if all stakeholders play their role in the learning process hence pleaded with the community to work hand in hand with both the school management and ICL towards the children’s education. Ends