08 Jul 2018

Matsiloje Deputy Chief, Kgosi Solomon Segopa says government is worried by parents who have abdicated their responsibilities of taking care of their children.

Speaking during the handing over of school uniforms and toiletries to three pupils  of Matsiloje, Matshelagabedi and Matopi primary schools in the Tati East constituency on Friday), Kgosi Segopa said it was heart rendering to find such children left in the care of their grandparents who themselves were weak and survived on old-age pension.

The school uniform and toiletries were donated by the Matsiloje Police Women Network Social Responsibility team headed by Sub Inspector Kelereng Batlhalefi.

Kgosi Segopa encouraged the three learners to work hard to achieve their dreams of being successful learners in their respective schools.

He praised the officers for showing compassion to the underprivileged and urged them to continue with the spirit of giving back to the community that they served.

He also encouraged the officers to extend their social responsibility activities to other members of the community who needed such help.

The Botswana Police Women Network was officially launched in 2009 to empower women officers so that they could realise their potential.

Earlier on when outlining their  objectives, chairperson of the Matsiloje Botswana Police Women Network, Matsiloje police station, Sub Inspector Batlhalefi said the donated items were bought through fund raising activities and cash contributions from individuals.

She revealed that the three children were identified through social workers and community policing initiatives.

For her part, the guest speaker, Inspector Dimakatso Pheto of Kutlwano Police Station in Francistown explained that it was a pleasure that the Matsiloje Police Station had donated school uniforms and toiletries to the less privileged school going children of the three schools.

She applauded the officers for the caring spirit they had demonstrated through the donations adding that the gesture was a reflection that police officers were not only pre-occupied with fighting crime but also took part in social responsibility activities.

Inspector Pheto further said the donations were life changing since the three pupils would not walk to school without school uniform, thus helping them to do better in their education.

However, Inspector Pheto decried lack of consideration amongst school going children saying some of them demanded  expensive items or clothing from their parents who ocould not afford such.

However, she said where there was abuse, children should report their parents to the relevant authorities and encouraged parents to play a very critical role in the education of their children because these children are the future leaders.

The three children also received a book from Constable and poet, Tshepo Ismael of Matsiloje police station entitled The Diary of Princess INGRID, which is a compilation of short stories. ENDS