25 Aug 2019

First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has donated solar powered bags to upper class pupils of Matsitama Primary School.

Handing over the bags, FNBB Francistown branch manager, Mr Lucky Bogopa said the bank was inspired by Batswana’s welcoming spirit to extend a helping hand to the society it serves.

He said when it started its operations in Botswana in 1992, FNBB had only five branches across the country and 27 years later, they have grown to 24.

This, Mr Bogopa said was a good indication that Batswana openly welcomed the bank and it was thus giving back as a sign of appreciation, and helping government to improve school results.

He said the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ inspired them to come on board and change lives through education.

He said the bags would also bridge the gap between pupils from different backgrounds and also motivate them to do well in their studies.

Mr Bogopa highlighted that the bank donates through the FNB Foundation, which was established in 2001, with the bank committing to give a percentage of its annual profit to communities.

He further noted that in 2015, the bank decided to assist schools by donating school shoes and in 2017 diverted to solar powered school bags.

Apart from the school bags, he said the bank would also be donating stationary to the lower classes beginning with reception to standard three.

Appreciating the gesture, a Standard Seven pupil, Wame Tshenolo said they were overjoyed by FNBB’s generosity.

She said many of them did not have school bags, adding that with the bags powered with lights, they were going to study hard and pass their exams.

Meanwhile, Central District Council chairperson, Mr Peter Williams commended FNBB for coming on board to assist the government in educating Batswana. He implored parents not to shift their responsibilities to stakeholders, but to augment what they were getting from stakeholders. ENDS