18 Apr 2016

Tshwaragano Adventure Trust has embarked on a fitness and endurance expedition called Shakawe-Gaborone Challenge.

Trust members would cycle from Shakawe to Gaborone for about 10 days to raise money for worthy causes in 2016.

Speaking at the launch of the challenge  recently, the trust public relations officer, Mr Tigele Mokobi said the trust had identified 10 schools along the route, which would receive 50 books each.

He said the trust members would also spend time interacting with students and teachers to encourage a culture of reading and keeping physically fit.

The challenge’s proposed literacy campaign themed: Help a Child Read,  was aimed at promoting and encouraging literacy among students.

Other objectives, Mr Mokobi said, included raising money for charity, promoting eco-tourism, endurance challenge and adventure as well as promoting physical training and healthy lifestyle.

“And since this year marks the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence, we wanted something that is commemorative, innovative and impactful.The milestone also coincides with the culmination of the country’s national Vision 2016, which defined and managed the country’s path towards ‘Prosperity for All’ by 2016.  It is also in line with two pillars of the national Vision 2016, of An Educated, Informed Nation and a Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation,” he said.

The trust, Mr Mokobi said, had partnered with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development as well as Liberty Life Botswana in this undertaking, adding that they would also engage more stakeholders to come forth and support them.

The Private Secretary to the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Peter Maruatona commended the trust for its thoughtful initiative, saying it would go a long way in complementing the ministry and government’s efforts in developing the country’s education sector.

Mr Maruatona applauded Liberty Life for heading the trust’s call and for supporting the challenge, saying it was commendable to see the private sector also coming on board to support the education sector.

The 50 books, he said, would help promote the culture of reading. He said the challenge came at an opportune time when the country’s education system needed more private sector and stakeholder partnerships.  

“Inculcating the spirit of reading in our youth and developing the skills of a young person to be able to read, write and understand what they read will help to skill them. This is because there is no point of being educated and not be able to do anything that is meaningful,” he said.

For his part, Liberty Life Botswana business development manager, Mr Daniel Matlhagela said his company’s purpose was to make financial freedom possible for all that extended well beyond the business impact.  

This, he said, was why Liberty Life supported Tshwaragano Literacy Challenge, as they believed it would have a meaningful contribution to the growth and socio economic development of Botswana.   

“It’s about knowledge and sharing and changing the realities in the community that we operate,” he added.

At liberty, Mr Matlhagela said they also believed in constant learning, which made it possible to envision, prepare for build for the future.  ENDS