12 Aug 2018

Raising well-rounded children can only be achieved and maintained when all concerned parties work together as children leads the future of the country.

 This was said by Japan ‘s Ambassador to Botswana Mr Kozo Takeda at the Grant Contract Signing of US$86 400 between the Embassy of Japan and the Kanye Administrative Authority for construction of Lerolwane Pre-school in the Southern District recently.

“The Government of Japan will continue extending assistance to this country as it is quite important for us to assist such grass-roots needs in Botswana based on friendship and cooperation between the two countries.  This hard work will provide equal educational opportunities for children throughout the country,” he said.

Mr Takeda said in order for maximum benefits to be gained from the assistance, support was necessary from concerned ministries, councils, parents, teachers and all other stakeholders in the community. He said it was notable to commend efforts of Botswana government which had resulted in the establishment of 531 public pre-schools in the past 5 years. “This assistance will contribute to this significant initiative that is implemented by Botswana government and I hope that this pre-school will stand as the benchmark of the relationship and cooperation between the two countries.

Also to raise future leaders of Lerolwane, Kanye region and the country as a whole,” he said.

Mr Takeda noted that the project was the first to be approved for the financial year 2018 by the Japanese Government’s Grant for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects citing that the Kanye Administrative Authority had become the 53^rd recipient since the scheme was launched in Botswana in 1997.

Kanye Administrative Authority Sub-district Council chairperson Mr Patrick Dibeela said the initiative from the Japan Government came at the right time and in handy when the government had decided to construct reception classes in all government schools.

Mr Dibeela said although Lerolwane had a population of over 1 600 people, they were expecting over 30 students to use the facility adding that with the Internet that was going to be connected to the facility, learners. Teachers and the community of Lerolwane would benefit.

He said upon completion, the reception class block would continue to benefit pre-school children from the village and associated localities who shall be receiving early childhood care and education. Mr Dibeela noted that they commited to hard work and diligence towards the implementation of this initiative so as to complete the project within the stipulated duration and within the allocated budget as per the contract.ENDS