21 Mar 2021

Khoemacau Mine and Fluor Company have been hailed for joining hands with the Ministry of Basic Education to invest in children’s education.

The two companies donated an ablution block which comprises of five toilets and five showers to Ngami Junior Secondary School girls’ hostel as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, an official from the Department of Education, Mr Keogotse Ketlogetswe commended the two companies efforts towards enhancing learning and pupil’s welfare.

He noted that they contributed P385 000 and that the ministry topped the money with P95 000 for completion of the facility.

Mr Ketlogetswe appealed to beneficiaries to take care of the facility so that it could benefit learners that would come behind.

Ngami MP, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama hailed the two companies for the good gesture, saying it was an indication that human development was a priority.

Children, he said, were a resource that needed to be nurtured, adding that the donation came at the right time as the country was committed to transforming the economy into a knowledge-based one.

He said the donation was a step in the right direction, adding that a knowledge-based economy could be achieved by investing in human development.

Mr Hikuama stated that giving was not a sign of wealth or richness.

The donation, he said, had addressed some of the challenges and augmented the little budget of the Department of Education.

“You have made a permanent mark as this donation will act as a remembrance of your companies in years to come,” he said

Mr Hikuama appealed to the village leadership and parents to play their part towards their children’s education, saying it was painful to see their schools trailing behind as far as academic performance was concerned.

He said they should strive to see the school amongst the top 10  across the country.

Khoemacau Mine chief executive officer, Mr Johan Ferreira thanked Fluor Company for joining hands with them to give back to the community.

The company has been engaged by the mine to undertake surface infrastructure.

The facility, he said, would bring a positive change to the girls, noting that a good facility enhanced effective learning.

He also urged parents to join hands with teachers to discipline children, stating that the upbringing and moulding of children started at home.

Mr Ferreira also stated that by April they would start awarding prizes to achievers in the school as a way of encouraging excellence.

Fluor general manager, Mr Russel Ayres explained that their company was known globally, and that they believed in community development.

He also stated that they saw it fit to invest in the education sector because they wanted learners to excel and achieve their potential.

Young people, he said, were the future leaders hence they should be supported.

Ngami school head, Ms Onalethata Lekelandi appreciated the donation and the support from the mine, saying it was not the first time they assisted the school.

She said they recently donated sanitisers.

“We are hoping for more not only from Fluor and Khoemacau but from other companies to support learners future,” she said. ENDS