08 Aug 2019

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Foundation is expected to donate solar bag packs and stationery to 3 937 pupils in addition to last year’s 1 113.

This was revealed by Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development deputy permanent secretary Colonel Duke Masilo during a solar bags and stationery initiative launch at Ramonaka Primary School on August 7.

He noted that many pupils, especially in rural areas, struggled to study at night due to lack of electricity and stationery.

“Some even use risky sources of light such as candles and lanterns, which is hazardous to them and the rest of family members,” said Colonel Masilo.

He said it was therefore pleasing that the initiative was growing not only in the number of beneficiaries but also in scope.

Other schools set to benefit this year include Ramonaka, Oliphant’s Drift, Ntswelemoriti, Khwee, Matsitama, Parakarungu, Senyawe, Nxaraga, Kolonkwaneng, Sedibeng, Sekhutlane and Khudumelatswe.

“I wish to assure you that we went through an intense screening process to make sure that the donations go to the most deserving beneficiaries and amongst other factors, we gave priority to schools in areas where there is no electricity at all,” he said.

Local government ministry, FNBB Foundation and Botswana Power Corporation have been in the learner-oriented partnership since June 2015 and since last year, beneficiaries are now given bags with solar gadgets to enable them to study at night.

“Through this partnership, every pupil in selected primary schools around the country was also given a pair of school shoes, irrespective of their social backgrounds and status,” he said adding that 7 346 pupils in 26 schools had benefited thus far.

However, he said only upper class pupils (Standard Four and upward) would be given bags while lower classes would receive stationery.

Further, Col. Masilo expressed appreciation for the sustainable impact the project would continue to make on communities.

“Sometimes it is just a little light or basic tools that a child needs for self-esteem and improved results in their education and we all understand the vital role education plays in the life of a child,” he said.

He indicated that such initiatives were in line with the ministry’s social welfare programmes geared towards uplifting the lives of Batswana.

“It is therefore against this backdrop that we encourage corporate entities to join hands and show their support in assisting those in need,” he said.

FNBB Foundation chief executive officer, Mr Steven Bogatsu said government needed assistance in the provision of services.

“It is for this reason that we have partnered with government along with its departments, parastatals such as BPC to address some of the issues befalling our nation,” Mr Bogatsu said.

Meanwhile acting BPC CEO Mr Cross Kgosidiile has said the corporation was in the process of connecting all river villages, currently supplied by South Africa’s Eskom, to the BPC grid by next financial year. ENDS