22 Nov 2018

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, says through a good education system, government can fulfil its commitment of providing quality education to all.

Giving a keynote address at the official handover of digital equipment to Mmanoko Primary School in the Kweneng District on November 20, Ms Tshireletso, thanked Orange Botswana Foundation for the undertaking, which she said was transformational in nature.

She emphasised the need to ensure a conducive learning environment for pupils, especially those in rural communities, since they were not exposed to adequate and modern facilities like those in urban areas.

Ms Tshireletso said emphasis should not only be placed on learning the arts and sciences, but also on culture development.

She further emphasised the need to ensure development of marketable skills as a priority, with programmes that could generate employment and be able to meet society’s growing demands.

“Developing the right skills will therefore provide an opportunity for employment for these children, thereby complementing the Vision 2036 pillar for Human and Social Development, said Ms Tshireletso.  

Meanwhile, Orange Botswana’s director of corporate affairs, Ms Lepata Mafa-Nthomola, said the companay believed that technology was key for transforming and improving the quality and access to education.

The Digital Schools Programme, was fully sponsored by the Orange Group foundation to the tune of P1.8 million for a period of five years to be implemented in 30 primary schools nationwide, with each school receiving P60 000.

 Ms Mafa-Nthomola stated that like everyone else in the country, Orange Botswana had noted with concern challenges of text books and learning materials being experienced in the education sector.

The programme, she said, had since been implemented in four schools, being Ntlhantlhe, Dikgonnye, Moshopha and Sedibe primary schools.

Mr Nicodemus Merafhe, ThutoNet-Cordinator in the Ministry of Basic Education, noted that the selection was based on infrastructure readiness such as electricity and security, management readiness and that the school should be in a rural area.

The project, he said, started with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and Orange Botswana Foundation before assessments to identify schools that were ready to receive the donation.

Kgosi Gofentsemang Ramosesane of Mmanoko said although she was appreciative of the gesture, she felt there was dire need of a photocopier to reduce the usual challenges around examination time.

The donation included 50 tablets, two Raspberry Pi servers pre-loaded with content, which can be accessed via a Wi-Fi connection, one (1) video projector and a screen. ENDS