19 Jun 2013

Member of Parliament for Francistown South, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi has called for a change of mindsets in preserving the environment for the upcoming generation.

Speaking during the launch of the environmental programme at Block 8 in Francistown by White Stars youth football club, Mr Mmolotsi said the launch of the programme would allow the club to convey environmental messages that would play a pivotal role in changing the negative perceptions people have about the handling of the environment.

Mr Mmolotsi said the club had set pace for the residents of Block 8 and the country at large on ways in which the environment had to be dealt with. He said as the leaders of tomorrow, the youth would pass on their vision of calling on affirmative action towards combating the enemies of mother earth.

”We are living in a clean environment, which has been preserved by our forefathers, so it is fitting and a positive move to see our children embracing the tradition as well,” he stated.

Giving a keynote address, the acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) Mr Jimmy Opelo praised the club for their programme, which he said would bring about a healthy environment.

Mr Opelo said people escaped from environmental protection by saying education had not yet fully reached people, which then turned into a surprise as most of the environmental degradation took place at night.

“This indicates that the message has been well preached. I think more punishment has to be applied on those who have turned their ears dumb,” he explained. He said through the environmental launch by the club, residents of Block 8 would respond positively by giving them the support they needed.

The club’s mandate is to promote football among youth aged seven to 18. The club manager, Mr Sylvester Toteng said he joined it in 2011 to assist youth with the challenges they faced and also help them act responsibly towards the environment.

He said he saw it fit for the club to act towards environmental preservation because it would make the youth think positively when handling the environment.

The launch of the programme, which was funded by the British Council to the tune of P115 000 would help in employment creation and will also come up with poverty eradication projects. Ends