11 Jun 2018

Botswana International University of Science and technology (BIUST) vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo recently participated in a 10-km sponsored walk organised by Motlaagana wa Banana Society, where he was a chief walker.

Prof. Totolo, who was accompanied by a team from BUIST, said the university’s participation in the fundraising walk, was a testimony of their commitment to community engagement.

He assured Motlaagana wa Banana Society of the university’s commitment in supporting and ensuring that they find lasting solutions to problems and hardships.

He noted that BIUST aimed at being an exemplary corporate citizen of Botswana, adding that they would therefore, immense themselves in the lives of Batswana and work with them to make life in Botswana better for all.

“We value and appreciate the efforts of Motlaagana wa Banana, and are privileged to be part of the efforts to uplift the lives of the youth, through them,” he said.

Prof. Totolo said BUIST was specifically created to assist the country and its people to be a knowledge-based nation, as well as to help lessen the its reliance on resources.

“BUIST does specialised learning, research and application differently, through community engagement. We will also conduct studies, and make inventions that can make a difference in people’s lives and/or make life easier and more favourable for our people,” he said.

The founder and coordinator of Motlaagana Wa Banana Society, Ms Rebecca Motswetla said the main purpose of the Society, which was established in 2005, was to engage out of school youth in projects and minimise unemployment.

Ms Motswetla also said the society equiped the out of school with skills such as textile, pottery, beadwork and wood carving, as well as catering and bakery.

She noted that more than 30 participants had participated since the Society’s inception.

She however highlighted financial constraints as one of the obstacles hindering the success of the society.

“Since we are a non-profit making society, we are witnessing challenges of finances for necessary logistics as we still need to purchase teaching materials and pay teaching staff, hence the sponsored walk,” Ms Motswetla said.

Held under the theme, Towards Reduction of Unemployment by year 2036, the walk was intended to ensure the society’s sustainability as well as an opportunity to publicise the intitiative. Ends