19 Aug 2013

Departments of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Media Studies (MS) and Special Support Services in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) have refurbished a house for the Thamion family in Gerald Estate at a cost of P42 000.

Speaking at the handing over the house to the four Thamion orphaned children, the Poverty Eradication and Wellness Committee chairperson for the departments, Mr Tsholofelo Ntshingane explained that the funds were part of the proceeds from the two music concerts where local artistes performed at the Botswana Television (Btv) auditorium in September and cabinet ministers in December last year.

Mr Ntshingane explained that the P42 000 was used to erect a new ceiling, install a water system toilet, clear electricity bills and paint the house.

He said his committee had previously donated 34 television sets, television stands and ten DSTV decoders to five hospitals in the country. Chief education officer, Ms Mmamosetsana Maposa said the project was part of her departments’ initiative of giving to the community they served.

Ms Maposa said they were able to identify the family through the help of the city council’s Social and Community Development (S&CD) office.

She said prior to refurbishing the house, her staff had been donating food and clothing every month to the children aged between seven and 24.

However, she indicated that they realised that donating food was not enough as the ceiling of the house they were staying in was falling hence they erected a new one.

A social welfare officer, Ms Gertrude Bafiti commended the departments for the gesture, which she said was in line with a compassionate, just and caring nation as enshrined in the national Vision 2016.

Ms Bafiti thus appealed donors to continue reaching out to the less privileged members of the community countrywide. Ends