22 Jun 2021

Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Botswana, First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) Foundation and Parakarungu Primary school  have signed a MoU on the implementation of  an environmental education, life skills and leadership programme.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU at Parakarungu primary school  recently , CITW Botswana programme coordinator, Mr Moalosi Lebekwe said the aim was to teach learners to preserve natural resources.

Mr Lebekwe said CITW, which was established in 2001 as Wilderness Safari Corporate Social Responsibility, worked with primary, junior secondary school and the youth, and had established eco clubs in schools .

He said CITW had a curriculum which is in line with that of Ministry of Basic Education.

Mr Lebekwe said CITW conducted annual summer camps to help pupils to link tourism and environmental conservation, and was currently working with 15 schools across the country with Parakarungu becoming the 16^th school.

Apart from working with the eco clubs, he said they identified and assisted schools on matters such as general welfare of children, academic performance and infrastructure.

He explained that CITW had a three-year partnership with FNBB Foundation, emphasising that the involvement of charity organisations in the education system was vital. 

He revealed the foundation had availed P767 000 towards meeting some of the needs identified by CITW.

A representative from FNBB foundation trustees, Dr Lesedinyana Odiseng noted that the foundation’s  six strategic focal areas included youth empowerment, social welfare, education, sports and recreation, arts and culture and environmental sustainability hence partnership with CITW.

Dr Odiseng cited that in Chobe the foundation has previously supported Parakarungu, Mabele and Kavimba primary schools through the solar bag donation drive. 

He applauded CITW initiative for empowering and uplifting communities and urged other organisations to come on board for the betterment of all.

Basic education ministry’s  acting director (regional operations), Mr Elijah Motlhabi appreciated FNBB Foundation and CITW for heeding ministry’s call for partnerships with schools as government alone could not afford to meet the needs of the education sector.

He said the CITW initiative would help raise a generation that did not see wild animals as food but as a source of revenue for the entire country. 

He noted that education would be incomplete if it did not prepare the learners to live in harmony with their environment.

Wilderness Safaris cultural Ambassador and community relations manager, Mr Lesh Moiteela said 2 100 children had benefited since 2001 when CITW started in Botswana. 

He said Wilderness Wildlife Trust and CITW had helped change the face of nature-based tourism in Africa.

Proposing a vote of thanks, Chobe District council chairperson, Mr Amos Mabuku noted that government promoted domestic tourism and taking on board children on camps would help them appreciate and promote tourism. Ends