30 Nov 2016

 Tshidilong Stimulation Centre is facing a financial downturn in relation to its full operational capability.

This was said by the deputy coordinator of the centre, Ms Imi Kolobe, in an interview after a Christmas party hosted for the pupils recently.

Tshidilong centre caters for more than 41 pupils with disabilities living in Maun and surrounding areas.

Ms Kolobe revealed that they used to receive the bulk of their financial support from the Ministry of Health and Wellness as well as donors from abroad.

However, she said things had since changed after Botswana attained a higher middle income status in the world scale, as donors from abroad had now ceased from assisting with aid.

Nonetheless, Ms Kolobe said they had put up a strategy aimed at raising funds for the centre, which included consulting with the Chinese business community trading in Maun who had donated food hampers and Christmas gifts to the centre.

She further said they asked for support from Botswana so that they could prove that disability was not inability.

She noted that a safari travel company, Safari Specialists also trading locally, donated food hampers and also provided a tent complete with chairs, which were  used at the centre’s Christmas party.

A representative of Safari Specialists, Ms Kagiso Bojosi revealed that their relationship with the centre was facilitated by an agency known as Travel For Impact, which encourages local companies to be compassionate and give back to the community through an adoption initiative.

Ms Bojosi said their relationship with the centre would be enjoyed for many years to come.

One of the parents of a child living with disabilities, Ms Constance Motlhabi said she was grateful for the job the centre had done for her son so far.

“My son is suffering from a rare case of autism and witnessing him this happy fills my heart with joy and happiness,” she said.

She further said the day was very important for them as parents since they were able to share experiences as parents of children who were living with disabilities. ENDS