07 Aug 2013

Chief education officer for North East region, Ms Outlule Basimolodi, says giving ensures fulfilment of one of the Vision 2016 pillars of an educated and informed nation.

She said this at a cheque hand-over ceremony where Sefalana Cash and Carry and the Banner Group donated P40 000 each to the Francistown Centre for Deaf Education on Tuesday.

Ms Basimolodi said she believed that the principle of God from the book of Luke would be fulfilled in the lives of students at the centre. She explained that the donation was an answer to a call made by the centre in November 2011, saying the centre had called for financial assistance from the public and private sector.

Ms Basimolodi promised the donors that the money would be used for the intended purpose. For her part, head of Francistown Centre for Deaf Education, Ms Penniah Mandase, said the donation also dovetailed with the Vision 2016 pillar of a compassionate and a caring nation.

She said part of the donation would be used for the construction of  netball and football grounds. On challenges, Ms Mandase said some parents were unable to attend Parents and Teachers Association meetings because students come from as far as Chobe District and Okavango Sub-district.

The centre started as a unit of Nyangabwe Primary School and later in 1990 moved to where it is now located. She pointed out that it was initiated by an ear, nose and throat specialist who was based at Bamalete Lutheran Hospital, Dr Ian Kennedy.

The centre has 54 learners in primary section and 11 in pre-school. The Banner Group comprises Supa7 stores, Supa Deal stores and Bonanza convenience City Saver Supermarket. ENDS