15 Apr 2018

The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s library has donated books to Therisanyo Primary School, the first international donation made by the US -based organisation.

The collection includes over 200 titles for young learners and include both fiction and non-fiction. 

Speaking at the handing over ceremony on April 12, US Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Earl Miller said they supported programmes that encouraged learning such as the English Access Microscholarship Programme and the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Programme.

Mr Miller said the books were specially selected with feedback from administrators and teachers with a focus on exploring the world and encouraging positive learning experiences.

He said it was clear that libraries were essential to communities and decision makers, and that the donation would help in making pupils become better leaders of tomorrow.

Library professionals he said were important because their passion for teaching and sharing information from all sources showed learners how to understand, analyse and use information effectively.

He encouraged librarians, educators and administrators to work in support of a common shared goal which was a core tenet of democracy.

He said he looked forward to continuing to engage in supporting students’ success, increase faculty resources and promoting community values and encouraged all to recognise the significant collaboration between government of Botswana and the US and celebrate the power of libraries in leading students, teachers and communities.

For his part, Therisanyo Primary School school head ,Mr Segomotso Kejelepodi hailed the donation as it would change lives.

He noted that libraries played a crucial role in literacy, innovation and community engagement for all ages.

Mr Kejelepodi extended appreciation to the Laura Bush Foundation for choosing Botswana and Therisanyo Primary School in particular adding that the collaboration affirmed the value and impact libraries and books had on the youth. ENDS