11 Apr 2018

Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Recruit Intake 73 of 2017/18 has donated computers valued at over P56 000 to Kavimba primary school.

Speaking at the handing over of the eight computers, eight computer stands and two printers recently, the deputy commandant of the Pandamatenga Military College, Colonel Keebine Kgakge said while the BDF is directly responsible for a Vision 2036 pillar of Good Governance, Peace and Security it cannot overlook other pillars such of that of Human and Social Development.

He said through the computers the students will developed to be able to compete globally.

Col Kgakge said the gesture was also an answer to a call by the country’s leadership to be compassionate.

He implored all stakeholders to treasure education and work together to improve the quality of education in the country.

Col Kgakge explained that the Military College has been involved in charitable activities in Chobe since 2014 with the various groups of intakes donating a total of 56 computers and ten printers to the schools of Pandamatenga, Kazungula, Lesoma, Nata, Mabele and Kavimba.

Earlier, director of basic military training, Lt Colonel Atamelang Ramakoba said the total cost of the computers, stands and printers was P56 144 which was voluntarily donated by the recruits from their own pockets.

He said the military college has a tradition of donating computers as they have a vision to see the Chobe community connecting with the global village.

He appealed to the beneficiaries to take the donation seriously and take care of the computers adding that it is disheartening that some of the beneficiary schools were not taking care of the computers.

Lt Col Ramakoba however commended Kazungula primary school for taking care of the computers.

He noted that it is upon every Motswana to build and develop the nation hence the contribution by BDF through the donation of computers.

He further said computers if used properly can help address the issue of textbook shortage and broaden information search by both learners and teachers.

Lt Col Ramakoba suggested that parents should each contribute P5 on monthly basis and help the schools connect Wi-Fi.

Kgosi Munitenge Sinvula commended the BDF for their gesture saying the computers will benefit both the teachers and the students.

He said the donation was not only going to benefit the school but is an investment to the Kavimba community as a whole.

Kgosi Sinvula took the opportunity to appeal to the council to assist the school to acquire a sports ground saying despite the availability of land the school does not have such.

The school head, Ms Phenyo Oageng said the school has an enrolment of 152 students and nine teachers and has been performing well in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

She said in 2014 the school had a 100 per cent pass rate, in 2015 the school dropped to 61.1 per cent and in 2016 it improved again to 90 per cent but in 2017 dropped to 70 per cent.

Ms Oageng, however assured the gathering that this year the school is determined to improve on its performance adding that the computers will impact positively in that regard.

She commended bogosi and other stakeholders for their support towards the school.

Giving a word of encouragement, the regional director (operations), Ms Lillian Matshameko said the country is working towards a knowledge based economy which is directly linked to the education system and ICT is the key to unlocking global skill search.

She said the computers will enable learners and teachers to participate in the global world.

Ms Matshameko said while the Ministry of Basic Education has a desire to computerise all schools it has budgetary constraints and she commended intake 73 for helping in the acceleration of the ministry’s ideals of providing quality education.

Chobe district council chairperson, Councillor Paul Chabaesele assured the gathering that he talked to the land board chairperson and he informed him that should an application for the sports ground be submitted it will be attended to promptly.

He said he will approach the business community with the view of adopting schools and ensuring the availability of infrastructure such as Wi-Fi. ENDS