18 Dec 2017

Orange Botswana, recently donated 12 computers, with internet connectivity to SOS Children’s Village in Serowe.

When handing over computers, Orange Botswana director-customer experience and strategy, Ms Kelly Mfolwe said this was the third and final phase of the donation, bringing to a total of 40 computers donated at P800 000.

“Our relationship started in 2016 following our annual call for digital education project in which SOS was selected as the winner.

Following their selection, we then set out to digitalise all three SOS Villages in Botswana,” she said.

She noted that during the first phase of the project, they donated 18 computers, installed internet and refurbished the SOS Tlokweng Children’s Village.

“Following the first phase, we then partnered with BOFINET to provide internet connectivity to Serowe and Francistown SOS projects.

Last week in Francistown, we also donated and handed over 18 computers and installed internet,” she said.

She noted that digital education was the key focus for the Orange Foundation adding that they partnered with organisations that wishes to use digital tools to support or advance teaching and learning system.

She said the initiative was geared towards contributing to social development through education and skills development.

“It was not surprising that we are able to recognise SOS’s need and partnered with it accordingly. It is our hope that the digital education project as a dynamic system, will enhance and improve the traditional learning environment for pupils and reduce teachers’ work load,” she noted.

Further, she said it was also their hope that the donation would go a long way in enhancing grassroots development of all children housed in the SOS facilities and ensure continuity right up until the children were old enough to fend for themselves in the outside world.

“Not only do we hope that they will fare well in the working world, but we hope to inspire them to use their skills to create employment for themselves and their peers in future,” she said.

For his part, Botswana Fibre Network representative (BOFINET) from Palapye office, Mr Tshepo Malefho implored the beneficiaries to avoid vandalism and misuse of the equipment and connectivity so that they could enjoy the benefits.

Also, he encouraged them to develop their content and contribute to the global development of valuable information.

“Access to knowledge via internet is a huge responsibility and it is up to you to turn it into a life changing experience to better your lives in a positive direction. Use what has been provided to better yourselves into a responsible citizens of this country despite your challenges,” he said.

He noted that they had partnered with Orange through provision of internet connectivity to the project.

“Our relationship with Orange Botswana on this journey has developed over a period of year. Together we allow SOS to benefit fully from having the right equipment that is used to connect effectively to the internet. This opportunity should be availed to everyone despite their life circumstances,” he said.

Mr Malefho said, as they were roped in by Orange, it was encouraging to see Orange taking a role in opening up a way for the children of SOS to take full advantage of ICT.

“This initiative is a focus within Orange Botswana’s Community Outreach in support of associations and communities that have a desire to use digital tools to support and advance teaching and learning systems among marginalised groups,” he said.

He noted said, through community developments outreach programme, BOFINET, had made significant role, by offering sponsorship of internet connectivity especially in schools.

“Just in the previous ending financial year, we have been able to connect about 14 schools within our planned schools connectivity and social responsibility programs. This has been done on our own and in conjunction with our partners,” he said. BOPA