30 Apr 2013

Volunteerism is when someone renders service to someone without expecting any payments, but rejoices in seeing one’s life being uplifted.

When speaking at Bakgatla Bolokang Matshelo sponsored walk on April 27, Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West Mr Gilbert Mangole said it was commendable to see the youth being engaged in volunteerism as they are destined for bigger things.

He said volunteerism builds one’s character and prepares them for leadership positions as they grow up.

Mr Mangole said he is what he is today because he started volunteerism at a very young age and rose through the echelons of leadership.

He quoted the late former President of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama who once said everyone wanted to be regarded as a patriot, who is also a nation builder, a committed servant of his country, and not a habitual dissident who spends most of his time shouting empty slogans and preaching about utopias of one form or another.

Mangole told the youth that volunteering is a life time career which one commits to until the end.

He said the theme: “Uplifting the spirit of volunteerism amongst Kgatleng youth” rhymes well with what volunteerism has made him become at Botswana Work camp Association.

He further added that volunteerism has great benefits among them being spirit of patriotism and building of leadership.

Mr Mangole therefore encouraged the youth to re-examine their volunteerism spirit and make sure they are there for the right reasons.

He said Bakgatla continue to be a tribe that holds on to their culture and the youth has to make sure it goes on to the next generation.

The Coordinator of Bakgatla Bolokang Matshelo Ms Stella Raphoto said the centre was established for the purpose of helping victims of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

But she said, due to the provision of ARVs by government, the situation has improved tremendously hence the time to think outside the box and come up with other ideas of helping the community.

Ms Raphoto said the objective of the sponsored walk was to raise money for the youth with the idea to help them with economic empowerment projects and other youth issues.

She added that the youth want to start different projects in the centre especially that they have now water availed through a borehole donated by Botswana Insurance Holding Limited.

Raphoto called on the youth to utilise this opportunity and make sure they make successful businesses. ENDS