29 Mar 2021

Through its special programme, Smile For All in the World, Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has donated educational items and masks to Childline in Gaborone.

Smile For All in the World is an initiative that seeks to donate useful material (used items in good condition) to organisations across the world from Japan, which may be of benefit to recipients’ organisation.

Japan Resident Representative in Botswana, Mr Eguchi Hideo said Childline Botswana was doing an important job of not only protecting children from unfortunate social circumstances but also providing necessary lessons to ensure they keep abreast with their school curriculum.

“We believe that the donation will go a long way in helping you realise your most valued activities to the clientele and enhance your work output.”

He explained that Childline Botswana was a long-standing cooperation partner of JICA since 2009, accepted around four Jap Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) members under social work and youth activities who share their skills and experience with colleagues and clients of the organisation.

Mr Hideo also said JICA Botswana through the Smile for All in the World programme donated several items to Stepping Stones International, a non-governmental organisation that empowers school going children and youth to reach their dreams and become leaders in their own capacity.

The donation to Steeping Stone comprised of sporting equipment such as 17 Soccer shirts and shorts, 20 Table Tennis Rackets and balls, seven Judo uniform, three Harmonica musical instruments and three soccer shirts.

He said March was a very special month for Japanese people as it marked the catastrophic Tsunami suffered by Japan 10 years ago where the rest of the world including Botswana, assisted the country through its recovery from the disaster.

He further shared that, it was for this reason that Japanese people, in remembrance of the love and support by other nations, donated material that might be useful to charitable organisations all over the world.

During her speech, Executive Director of Steeping Stone, Ms Lisa Jamu expressed gratitude to JICA for the donation and assured that her organisation would give back to JICA by making sure that the donations benefited youth and children.

She also said she took the partnership between Steeping Stone and JICA very seriously hence looking forward to more fruitful relationships through Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers.

Mr Olebile Machete, Childline coordinator said the items would be distributed to the underprivileged children noting that they did not only appreciate and celebrate the gifts, but also the relationship, support and love from JICA to Childline..ENDS