08 Nov 2020

Mmathethe/Molapowabojang MP has applauded Mastercard Foundation (MF) director, former president Dr Festus Mogae and Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) for donating hampers worth P500 000 to pupils and some needy residents of Maisane, Dipotsana and Diabo. 

Speaking at the handing over ceremony recently, Dr Edwin Dikoloti explained that education was a critical building block for any nation and applauded former president Mogae for planting a seed in his area and giving residents an early Christmas.

Dr Dikoloti said the donation, which comprised school bags, books, face masks for every learner across the three schools, solar powered radios, lamps for a pupil per family and some food vouchers not only gave beneficiaries dignity but also stimulated their appetite to work hard in their studies.

Dr Dikoloti, also Minister of Health and Wellness, was particularly impressed that the lamps would enable learners to study at night while the radios would help them follow educational programmes and study from home under the coronavirus climate especially at times when they could not physically attend classes.

He said Botswana, like other nations worldwide, had many development projects lined up, but the pandemic threw a spanner in the works and exposed some cracks both in the health system and economy which urgently needed to be filled. 

Dr Dikoloti commended Dr Mogae for joining the fight against the coronavirus, adding the donation would mitigate its effects in the communities. 

He said Dr Mogae was distinguished across the globe for his gallant fight against HIV/AIDS, and his foundation noted for assisting graduate students with scholarships.

Nevertheless, the minister urged every learner to make the most of the uncertainties presented by COVID-19 and learn to be innovators and originators.

Handing over the donation, BRCS secretary general, Mr Kutlwano Mokokomane explained that his organisation was an auxiliary arm of government. 

He said they received the donation from MF then identified 326 beneficiaries in Maisane, Dipotsana and Diabo.

He said the spirit of the gesture was to cushion learners, teachers and schools against challenges, especially those brought about by the coronavirus. 

He said BRCS touched lives and complemented government efforts through partnerships with stakeholders.

Southern region director, Mr Acronews Maseko likewise thanked president Mogae for the kind gesture, adding it came at opportune moment. 

He explained that a substantial share of the budget had been directed towards fighting the coronavirus and thanked the duo for complementing government’s efforts. He said investing in young people was as good as investing in the future.

Mr Maseko was optimistic that the gesture would further give the three schools every reason to keep doing well.

Councillor Alex Ramasogwana also applauded the duo for picking the area for the donation, saying numbers of people living under the poverty datum line were rising. 

The councilor, who doubled as social and community development committee chairperson, revealed that they had already expended 85 instead of 50 per cent as a result of the surge. 

Through the gesture, he said the duo laid a solid foundation for the future and wished President Mogae a restful and fulfilling retirement. Ends