10 Feb 2020

Botswana Defence Force (BDF) military personnel from Pandamatenga base have donated 10 computers and a printer worth over P75 000 to Satau Primary School in the Chobe District.

Speaking at the hand over ceremony on Feburary 7 at the school, Brigadier Edison Molale implored the Pandamatenga military personnel to continue with the their noble gesture of giving back to communities they live in.

The military personnel collectively contributed money towards this information outreach project.

He said education, technology and skills development are the basis for human and social development, therefore it was important to impart them at early stages, and said the donation would help realise that. 

On other issues, the BDF chief said even though the mission of the BDF is to defend the country, provide security for Batswana, participate in international security cooperation, and contribute to domestic support operations, the army is also involved in charitable activities as a way of showing compassion to the under privileged.

He said since 2014, Pandamatenga military personnel donated numerous donations in an effort that will help learners to match today’s expected skill in workplaces.

Since 2014 they have donated 10 computers to Pandamatenga primary school, the following year they donated 10 computers, 10 computers stands and two printers to Kazungula Primary School,  and a further 10 computers, 10 computer stands and two printers to Lesoma and Nata primary schools in 2016.

He explained that in 2017 the same personnel donated eight computers, eight computer stands and two printers to Mabele Primary School while in 2018, they further donated 10 computers, 10 computer stands and two printers to Kavimba primary schools.

Brigadier Molale further stated that in 2019, the same military personnel donated 10 laptops and a printer to Kachikau Primary School.

He said all the monies that purchased these computers were voluntary contributions from trainee privates who took it upon themselves as citizens to assist government in building and developing children for a better Botswana.

For her part, director (Regional Operations) in the Chobe District, Ms Lilian Matshameko said the donation was a tripartite collaboration between the BDF, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Ministry of Basic Education.

Ms Matshameko said the importance of the donation could not be overemphasised if the development of the 21^st century learner is to be realised.

She therefore expressed gratitude towards the BDF for its generosity in assisting the region in realising its aspirations of achieving academic excellence.

Ms Matshameko further stated that the efforts by the army were beginning to bear fruit as Chobe District was competing fairly well with primary schools in the urban areas.

“Your efforts will receive due accolades as you are also assisting the ministry of Basic Education in its endeavours, as they are currently advocating and driving the utilisation of ICT in teaching and learning,” she added.

She assured the BDF and the Ministry of Basic Education officials that the donation would  be put to good use as they would help teachers to facilitate teaching and learning accordingly.

“The school will ensure their optimum utilisation including responsibility for the maintenance and would like to plead with learners that are going to use these gadgets to use them profitably to improve their ICT skills and achieve academic excellence. ENDS