21 Sep 2017

The Patron of Lady Khama Charitable Trust (LKCT) President Lt Gen.Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has officially handed over a Community Relief Day Care Centre to Botswana Nurses Association (BORNUS) in Tlokweng.

The President also toured the one storey building  which consists of four classrooms, offices, ablutions and sick bay, that was built by LKCT to the tune of P1. 5 million.

The chairperson of LKCT, Mr Dale Ter Haar said the trust continued Lady Khama’s legacy by raising funds and donating to core beneficiaries that had a historic connection as well as once off donations to projects that supported vulnerable women and children.

He said the funds donated were raised from initiatives such as the Lady Khama RUN21, Ghanzi Horse Endurance Relay and Lady Khama Diamond Derby, Family Fun Day and Urban Obstacle Course and donations from the community.

Mr Ter Haar said the trust intended to introduce the Lady Khama Cup to raise more funds as well as to keep the LKCT calendar busy year round.

BORNUS chairperson Ms Basimane Ntshime said the centre was established by a group of retired nurses in 1999 and was registered in 2003.

She said the centre had grown into a fully-fledged society with the main objective of relieving the burden on care givers, among other things.

Ms Ntshime explained that the centre initially catered for the chronically and terminally ill clients such as those affected by HIV/AIDS and cancer but had evolved to offering more services.

She said the centre started from a humble beginnings with no resources and land but due to commitment, dedication and passion of the retired nurses, the centre  “is now fully-fledged society.”

She explained that there were also other people who believed in  and supported the centre with all their heart adding that these include some veteran nurses such as the late Ms Kealeboga Makhwade and Ms Peggy Matome, who were sisters.

Others include Ms Ruth Kgoroba, Ms Joyce Seitei, Ms Dorcus Temane, Ms Phodiso Seema, Ms Kgolo Leburu and Ms Mavis Kewakae, who is the present director of the project.
Ms Ntshime further explained that presently the centre had a staff complement of 64 comprising of retired nurses, community health workers, who were in the majority, social workers and support staff.

She said BORNUS had three operational branches across the country which provided services as an extension of the Tlokweng BORNUS Community Relief Day Care Centre.
Ms Ntshime said the centre ran various projects such as prevention of HIV/AIDS under National AIDS Coordinating Agency, alcohol levy under the health ministry, orphans and vulnerable children projects as well as a community library. Ends