15 Oct 2017

Elderly people living with disabilities in Disana ward in Maun on Saturday received 14 wheel chairs from the Rotary Club of Selebi Phikwe.

The club also donated 43 blankets to the underprivileged people in Khwai in the North West District.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony of the donation, the ecstatic Kgosi Rogers Matlhare of Disana ward said the wheel chairs would improve the mobility of the elderly who were previously not able to walk on their own.

This, he said would improve their lives and make it easier for them to interact with other members of the community.

The area councilor, Mr Rizerua Kazenambom also praised Rotary Club Selebi Phikwe for transforming the lives of the beneficiaries.

He observed that in the past, people with disabilities were chained and placed in the backyards, a situation that was horrifying, but it was organisations like the Rotary Club that brought these people forth and restored their dignity.

Giving the background of the event, Ms Beauty Bogwasi of Aglow Polokong Elderly Care, said after realising that there were many elders who were immobilised either because of old age or diseases such as stroke, her organisation went on a mission to assist them. She said they contacted Rotary club Selebi Phikwe who agreed to assist with wheel chairs and blankets.

Ms Bogwasi said her non-profit making organisation, which is based at Matlapana ward in Maun, took care of the elderly by providing them with daily meals and keeping them company.

“We have realised that most of the elderly people stayed alone with no one to talk to and this is depressing as it brings loneliness and boredom in their lives,” she quipped.

Ms Bogwasi further said they do home visits and provide the elderly with blankets and clothes to keep them warm. “We offer Christmas lunch every December” she said.

However, Maun Administration Authority assistant district officer, Ms Lesedi Mabote thanked the two organisations for assisting government in improving the lives of Batswana. She said the donations would bring dignity among the beneficiaries.

Selebi Phikwe Rotary Club past president, Ms Sandra Hughes said they were happy to be active players in the betterment of people’s lives.

“Our mandate is to give and be happy to give and this is why I am happy to be a Rotarian,” said Ms Hughes, who also added that they do not only raise funds for the underprivileged as they also assist the orphans. ENDS