24 May 2021

Mmathethe/Molapowabojang Member of Parliament, Dr Edwin Dikoloti has applauded Ulysses Botswana cycling club for their contribution towards supporting children who are in need.

Ulysses Botswana collaborated with Adopt-A-Person (AAP) to donate blankets and food items to Mosamowakwena Primary School pupils on Saturday.

Speaking at the handing over, Dr Dikoloti, also Minister of Health and Wellness, noted that the donations came at an opportune time when the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the already strained government coffers. He underscored the need for the private sector to unite with government towards a common purpose of uplifting the lives of Batswana.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted on all sectors of the economy and this has put a serious strain on our already limited resources. The government alone cannot win this battle. The unprecedented crisis has demonstrated that we can never achieve anything if we are divided. The challenges we face today require all stakeholders to join hands and pull in unison, to ensure that we all contribute in making a better Botswana,” he said.

He noted that children and young people were an integral part of human resources as they were the future and therefore there was need to develop and nurture them amidst the challenges. He said that the donations would not only motivate the pupils academically but would also go a long way in cushioning them against the harsh weather conditions and hunger pangs.

Dr Dikoloti said his wish was for Ulysses Botswana’s blanket initiative to grow in order to benefit more people each year. He commended them for their commitment and dedication, which saw them collect 1 400 blankets this year compared to 300 last year.

“This is highly commendable and a demonstration of their commitment to serving our communities and transforming lives when one takes into consideration the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Ulysses Botswana club president, Mr Anthony Lambrechts said their partnership with AAP started last year with the intention to help less privileged children in need, especially in rural areas.

Mr Lambrechts said that even though COVID-19 had affected all sectors, their commitment towards the initiative had to continue this year.

He applauded their partners and sponsors who looked beyond the business operations and managed to make contributions during a difficult time when most entities were struggling financially.

For his part, AAP board member, Mr Craft Odirile noted that they were currently in partnership with 15 rural areas across Botswana, supporting over 3 000 children with various necessities such as food and clothes.

He said even though the initiative started during the HIV/AIDS era to help orphaned children, they had extended the mandate to assist other children in need.

Mosamowakwena Primary School deputy head teacher, Ms Margeret Thabeng said the Adopt-A-School initiative was bearing fruit because there had been some improvements since their partnership with AAP. She said in addition to the decline in absenteeism, the school results had improved over the years. “This shows that schools that have strong community support perform better,” she said. ends