14 Jul 2016

Thornhill Primary School pupils had a once in a lifetime opportunity as they were accorded the chance to meet, interact and have a question session with the second  President of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire.

This was part of the ongoing campaign by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Botswana Country Office in collaboration with the  Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which was recently launched titled: “50 Minutes for Children Campaign and Celebrating BOT50.

In his contribution to the campaign, the former president  engaged with children on the value of culture in building a democratic society on a two phased session, composed of a classroom session and a traditional kgotla meeting.

Sir Ketumile narrated to the students about the history of Botswana and its origins of tribes in a traditional setup, and events leading to the country gaining its independence after being declared a protectorate.

He urged the students to take their education seriously as it could impact positively in their lives.

“You must prepare for live, because life will require you for the next coming years. 

That is why the teachers always emphasise that you take your work seriously, because you will never be a child again and you will never have an opportunity to be taught again,” he said.

 He alerted the children that they had to be careful that as they grew up they had the right to choose between wrong and right, as such decisions could bear implications on their future endeavours.

For his part, The Thornhill Primary School head, Mr Ivor Greaves said it was special for the students to have him at the school and to have been able to have him when Botswana was celebrating the 50 years with the former president of his calibre, with such a wonderful reputation within the history of Botswana.

“For us it is an auspicious occasion and this children will remember it for the rest of their lives”, he said.

According to the UNICEF country representative, Ms Julianna Lindsey, the campaign is aligned to the country’s 50^th anniversary celebrations and presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress made for children’s rights since 1966.

“It is also a platform for the country to share a common vision for the children of Botswana for the next 50 years”, she said.

Ms Juliana said the “50 Minutes for Children” campaign calls upon every individual to celebrate 50 years of independence by engaging in acts of kindness for children.

“The purpose of these acts is to ignite change and to positively impact children’s lives. More importantly, the campaign aims to inspire the general public to be more accountable to promotion and protection of children’s rights,” she said. ENDS