08 Sep 2020

First Lady Neo Masisi has underscored the need for investment in the education sector to secure learners’ future.

She was speaking yesterday during a World Group of Companies donation handing over ceremony at Machana's satellite primary school in the Moshupa Sub-disctrict.

The donation included school uniform, shoes, backpacks, blankets, balls and treats to the school’s pupils and staff.

Ms Masisi, who is the school’s patron, said education was not only the foundation of a person but was also a big factor in the development of the country.

She therefore applauded the company for heeding government’s call to contribute towards education through the adopt a school programme.

Through the initiative, she said, the private sector had an opportunity to play a role in education.

Ms Masisi said the government and private sector partnership contributed to maximization of school attendance and therefore improved performance. The donation would go a long way in creating a universal image among learners irrespective of their family backgrounds, she said.

“We really appreciate because this gesture comes at a time when resources are scarce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You made it a priority to prioritize giving to the under-priviledged yet we all know this is a tough time for everyone,” she noted.

About the school, Ms Masisi said it started from humble beginnings after realization of an urgent need for children in the area to get education.

“Machana has transformed from a settlement and the pupils also have equal opportunities like their counterparts anywhere else in Botswana. The establishment of this school has also brought other development such as water and electricity to the village,” she said. Ms Masisi applauded education officials and parents for their hard work and dedication which ensured the school was up and running within a short time.

For his part, World Group of Companies’ Mr Ishmael Ibrahim said the donation was part of a countrywide exercise intended to give pupils dignity.

The initiative was born out of the realisation that some pupils did not have proper school uniform which had a negative impact on performance.

He noted that the donation arrived late due to COVID-19 movement restrictions.

“We could not deliver these donations on time due to the pandemic that resulted in the closing of borders. As you can see these blankets were intended for the winter season,” he said.

Moshupa Sub-district Council chairperson Mr Peter Sethibe praised  Ms Masisi for her hard work and dedication in seeking donations for the school since its inception. He called on parents to work with the patron and the school community to ensure good results.

”The pupils in this school now don’t have any excuse to fail because they have equal opportunities with other learners in other areas,” he said. ENDS