28 Feb 2017

Kelele Primary School in Mmadinare launched its first ever scout movement on February 23.

Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila commended the school for initiating the programme as it would instill a sense of discipline and responsibility among the children and help them become accountable leaders with good character.

Mr Mzwinila who is also Member of Parliament for Mmadinare stated that the ministry of youth was in the process of launching a character building programme.

He said the objective of the programme would be to work with initiatives such as the scout movement and Re Ba Bona Ha, to develop and nurture talent from an early age.

“In the long run the country will have accountable, responsible and disciplined future leaders with good character,” he said.

He said the programme was conceptualised after reports regarding failure of some government funded youth projects, indicating lack of accountability and discipline, resulting in government efforts to empower youth and create employment not succeeding.

“Government intends to rectify this problem where projects fail due lack of discipline and accountability and one way to do so is train youth from a young age to be responsible citizens,’ he said.

Meanwhile the Botswana Scout Association chiefs scout commissioner, Mr Samuel Sesinyi said the movement played an important role in society.

He said scouts help in community activities and development and teaches children survival and life skills.

Mr Sesinyi said scout movement was initiated in 1907 and started in the then Bechuanaland in 1936 at Mafikeng where it was moved to Lobatse in 1964 just before Botswana gained independence.

He said the first president of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama was the first patron of the Botswana Scout Association followed by Sir Ketumile Masire and Dr Festus Mogae and President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama being the current patron while the chairperson was the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Mr Nonofo Molefhi who is also Member of Parliament for Selebi Phikwe East.

Mr Sesinyi said the country had over 10 000 members targeting over 50 000 by 2023 while the World Scout Association had 28 million with a target of over a billion members in the next few years.

For his part, Mr John Rahube from Kelele Primary School said the movement was initiated at the school to instil discipline and build friendship among boys and girls without discrimination.

He said the movement was also used as a team building tool aimed at teaching children to take responsibility of their school work, teach them the importance of doing chores at home and school and work with movements from other countries.

He requested parents and Batswana as a whole to support the movement in building responsible citizens. ENDS