14 Mar 2017

Former Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe says the spirit of unionism, Botho and caring about one another still prevails among the  people of Africa.

Speaking during an event where a Girl Guide troupe from Mount Pleasant English Medium Primary School donated clothing, school bags and goodies to Family of Hope orphanage in Sefhophe, Dr Kedikilwe said the fact that the donor school is owned by a Ghanaian demonstrates that African people still care for and help one another despite that they are from different states and speak different languages.

Speaking of the school owner, owned by Ms Edna Swanika, he said her move was line with the first President of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah’s statement, who when Ghana gained independence in 1957 noted that Ghana would not be totally independent from colonialism until all African countries gained independence.

He mentioned that the first President of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama and first President of Kenya, President Jomo Kenyatta also shared the sentiments as Kwame Nkrumah.

He said the African icons called on African countries to support one another to gain independence, maintain it and to continue working together to bring developments in their nations for future generations to benefit.

He said they believed in a spirit of unionism among African states.

He said the spirit of Botho that encourages Africans to help one another still prevails today.

He commended Ms Swanika for the good gesture of donating to orphans in Sefhophe.

He said Mount Pleasant English Medium Primary School manager and her staff raised funds and collected clothing and other items to donate to the orphanage.

“ This shows love and care for each other though we are from different backgrounds as Africans,” he said.

He mentioned that the orphans who were receiving the gifts were also learning that other people loved and cared for them.

“These children do see and understand what is happening.This donation teaches the orphans about love and care and also to cooperate and work with other nationals,” he said.
For her part, Ms Swanika said the satisfaction that comes from helping others gives a feeling of fulfillment.

She said they intend to keep on helping needy people in the society whenever they can.

“ Girl Guides from Mount Pleasant English Medium Primary School, their teachers and I chose to spend time with orphans from Family of Hope orphanage in Sefhophe to mingle with the orphans and give gifts to them to show love and support,” she said.

“ I have grown to like and cherish one thing in life and that is giving ones time to serve others through volunteerism.  In fact one of the most satisfying fun and productive ways to unite is volunteering for community service projects. Volunteerism also sets a good example for children and helps the community,” she said.

She said the main aim of having a Girl Guide at her school is to teach pupils to serve by volunteering, fundraising and sharing their skills and whatever they can offer.

“That is why we have girl guides from Mount Pleasant School in Selebi Phikwe donating to orphans in Sefhophe and spending time with them,” she said.

She said by getting girl guides involved in community service at this early stage exposed them to one of the very important pillars of Vision 2016, ‘A compassionate, just and caring nation’ so that when they grow up they shall know the importance of loving and caring for one another and living in unity. ENDS