24 Oct 2017

Former Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe has commended ‘Mmangwana o Tshwara Thipa Ka Fa Bogaleng Society’ in Mmadinare for giving a helping hand to the needy and people living with disability.

Dr Kedikilwe said giving and caring for people in need in society is one key aspect of the Christian faith that would help drive this country forward in unity and with humility.

He said caring and giving were the foundations that led to the realisation of Vision 2016 aspiration of “A compassionate and caring nation’ and should pave the way to achieving Vision 2036 objective which presents four pillars that include Sustainable Economic Development, Human and Social Development, Sustainable Development and Governance Peace and Security.

He said the pillars had been setup by government to guide Batswana in driving Botswana towards achieving prosperity for all by 2036.

He called on Batswana in general, officials, private organisations and politicians to play a role in helping achieve the Vision 2036 objective.

Dr Kedikilwe said what the ‘Mmangwana o Tshwara Thipa Ka Fa Bogaleng Society’ has done serves as an example and encouragement to the rest of the community and Batswana in general to assist PLWD and the less privileged in society.

For her part, Ms Elizabeth Kedikilwe, a member of the society touched on the issue of childhood development noting that early childhood education and development was very important in the ‘socialisation process’ of children.

She said children must be introduced to education and taught to lead a positive life from a young age so as to be good future leaders of the country.

In this regard, the Dr Ponatshego and Elizabeth Kedikilwe Early Childhood Development foundation donated pre-school teaching and learning materials to Saint Peters Primary School.

For her part, the school head, Ms Tiroyaone Galeeme expressed gratitude to the ‘Mmangwana o Tshwara Thipa Ka Fa Bogaleng Society’ and the Ponatshego and Elizabeth Kedikilwe Early Childhood Development Foundation for the good gesture, noting that what they had donated would have a positive impact on the lives of the children. 

She explained that besides learning in class, the PLWD at the school also do practical education such as horticulture and learn how to utilise computers.

She noted that the disabled students are also taught life skills such as learning how to take care of themselves and do things on their own.

Giving remarks at the event, the chairperson of the Society Ms Kedireng Ramakama indicated that the society was established in 2014 with only 11 members.

She stated that the number had grown over years and there are currently 70 members. 

She said the society was launched by Dr Kedikilwe the same year and they had been pursuing charity work since then.

The society handed over 42 pairs of shoes, socks and toiletry to students living with disabilities at the school. ENDS