02 May 2020

A teacher at Jamataka Primary School, Mr Gorataone Seshoka has been awarded the Commonwealth Point of Light award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for volunteering to fight against COVID-19 in the village.

A press release from the British High Commission in Botswana states that Mr Seshoka volunteered his services to the community of Jamataka during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Seshoka, who has been in Jamataka for 10 years, volunteered to teach 1 000 inhabitants about COVID-19.

The release says Mr Seshoka has established health and advisory information points around the village to amplify the key messaging of social distancing, regular hand washing and self-isolation while also debunking fake news about the virus. Mr Seshoka has also designed and set up contact-free hand washing facilities around the village and donated soap.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has on Friday recognised Mr Goratagaone Seshoka by representing Botswana as the 137th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his exceptional voluntary service supporting his community during COVID-19,” states the release.

The release says as part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth is thanking all inspirational volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and  beyond by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country every week.

It states that by sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Point of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteerism across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our times including the current COVID-19 pandemic. ENDS