08 Nov 2017

The peace and tranquility that has prevailed in Botswana since independence, and provided a favourable business environment continues to speak volumes for the Southern African nation.

It is to this end that the board of directors of African Library Project (ALP), a non-governmental organisation whose object is to promote a reading culture and empowerment through knowledge, recently selected Botswana to host its 6th biennial summit at Kanye Education Centre from November 12 to 17.

The Ministry of Basic Education director for the South Region, Mr Acro Maseko said although initially billed to take place elsewhere, Botswana found herself hosting because of her peaceful status.

“This, therefore, means Botswana will be hosting the APL summit for the second time. The first time having taken place in 2008,” said Mr Maseko.

He said in an interview that the Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya would conduct the official opening on November 16, and that international delegates from Malawi, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, Swaziland and Lesotho together with local librarians would be in attendance.

Mr Maseko also stated that the ministry’s permanent secretary, Ms Grace Muzila and founder and president of ALP, Ms Chris Bradshaw would grace the event and give an overview of the project.

Also expected to facilitate is Ms Isabella Mussad, who is the United States of America ALP liason officer for Botswana.

The Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr Earl Miller is expected to give a speech of appreciation at the summit.

Asked about the readiness of the centre, Mr Maseko said him and his team have everything ready to host the summit that would be remembered in future.

Mr Maseko also said the business community, in particular the hospitality industry, stood to benefit from the financial spin-offs that would be derived from the meeting.

Botswana became an ALP member in 2005 and had benefited through library books given by the non-governmental organisation.

For instance, all primary schools in the regions among others the South, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Chobe, North West, Nata, Palapye and a host of others across the width and breath of Botswana had benefited from the gesture by ALP. ENDS