25 Jul 2016

FRANCISTOWN - The Botswana Society for the Deaf (BSD) bid farewell to one of its founding fathers who is returning to his home country of the United Kingdom after serving for 40 years in Botswana.
Mr Ronald Fish, who is affectionately referred to as Ron, came to Botswana in 1976 as the currency manager for the Bank of Botswana, and started his relationship with BSD in 1989 after meeting Mr Mike Schultz, who was a representative of the Christoffel Blinden mission, a donor organisation to BSD.
Speaking at a farewell dinner in his honour, Mr Fish said as much as he would like to stay in Botswana, he has four children and eight grandchildren that want him nearby.
He said he was pleased that he was leaving BSD as a vibrant organisation that would continue to serve the interests of the deaf. He appealed for the support of the deaf community both financially and in the employment arena.
A representative of the deaf community, Ms Onneile Lekote thanked Mr Fish for his contribution towards the development of the deaf people.
She said before the establishment of the society, deaf people were shut out in terms of education, but that they were now educated and some of them attaining tertiary education.
The society’s executive director, Ms Orapeleng Mokgosi applauded Mr Fish for playing a pivotal role in making BSD what it was today. She said although the society was faced with many challenges, Mr Fish did not despair.
She noted that Mr Fish sometimes sponsored deaf students’ educational trips from his own pocket, adding that when the Christoffel Blinden mission withdrew its assistance to BSD, Mr Fish approached the government to intervene.
For her part, the director of Special Support Services in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MOESD), Ms Bontle Molefe said Mr Fish’s service came at an opportune time when the government did not have expertise in teaching deaf learners.
She said Botswana depended on funding from missions and charitable organisations. Ms Molefe also said deaf students have untapped potential that could be utilised through proper education. She urged BSD board members to emulate Mr Fish and to knock on doors for assistance of the deaf community.
She applauded Mr Fish for his selfless service and tireless efforts in making BSD what it was today without expecting anything in return.
In her welcome remarks, the mayor of Francistown, Ms Sylvia Muzila commended the BSD for taking part in the achievement of an educated and informed nation.
She assured BSD that her council was committed to assisting people with special needs and ensuring that they get services and resources as the rest of the community.
Mr Fish will be going back home with his wife Grace.ENDS