22 Apr 2021

First Lady Neo Masisi says the two sewing machines she donated to Ithuteng Primary School will benefit Level 2 learners with intellectual disability to improve their vocational skills as they prepared for the world of work and independent living.

“It is therefore critical that in readiness for the job searches and life beyond school, they have the requisite skills, both technical and life, to survive the world out there,” she said when handing over the donation yesterday.

She said if learners gained skills such as dress making and fashion design, they would be better equipped to for the job market.

Ms Masisi said given the current era of job shortages, learners had to be encouraged towards self-employment and employing others.

Ms Masisi said it was imperative that children were provided with opportunities that would enable them to thrive in the future.

She pointed out that children living with any form of disability were more vulnerable and required more care.

The First Lady noted that government’s goal, as espoused  in the National Policy on Education, was to ensure that all citizens, including those with special needs, had equality of education opportunities.

It also sought to enable children living with special needs to become productive members of the community by enhancing their employment opportunities and promoting self-worth, she added.

Ms Masisi encouraged the learners to remain focused, work hard and not let their disabilities to become inabilities.

Donated by Merck Foundation to the First Lady’s Office, the machines were bestowed upon the school as part of Ms Masisi’ efforts to empower girls and women.

Receiving the gift, school head, Ms Lesego Selelo expressed gratitude to the First Lady for choosing the school for her generous gesture.

She said the machines would help the school fulfill its dream of having a fully equipped sewing lab.

Meanwhile the First Lady recently commended Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) for donating P120 000 to four non-profit organisations: Young Women Christian Association-Botswana (YWCA), Francistown Centre for the Deaf, Botswana Civil Service Pensioners Association (BCSPA) and Manyana Cultural Committee. 

According to a BTC news release, the money was raised through the organisation’s inaugural charity walk in which Ms Masisi was the chief walker.

  “It is impressive that you have taken initiative to raise funds for humanitarian causes. We would like to see more entities following your example. Let us continue to make the spirit of giving a part of us and let us impart the spirit into our children. These are the principles in which the developments of this country are anchored on,” said the First Lady. ENDS