23 Nov 2021

Serowe Central Seventh Day Adventist Church has built the Mpotsang family a two-bed-roomed house to the tune of P127 000 in Thabala. 

Receiving the house on behalf of Central District Council Secretary, Social and Community Development Officer, Ms Mpho Bogatsu thanked SDA church for constructing a house for the seven orphans who had sharing a small hut their grandmother.

Ms Bogatsu described SDA as change agents the community was looking upon for guidance. She said the church demonstrated exemplary leadership by under taking such a project.

‘I am aware that you were building this house under difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic and despite all odds you delivered the plan and goal that you had set for yourselves, a commendable effort,’’ she said.

She stated that their efforts were in line with Vision 2036 pillar, which states; ‘by 2036 Botswana will be a Moral, Tolerant and Inclusive Society that provides Opportunities for All.’ 

Ms Bogatsu indicated that the pillar stated that social inclusion was central to ending poverty and fostering shared prosperity as well as empowering the poor and marginalised people.

She said the government of had a well-established commitment to protect and safeguard the well-being of its children.

“A variety of policies, plans, legal instruments, structures and programmess have been put in place to guide this effort, particularly to guide the country’s response to the needs of orphans, vulnerable children and the families caring for them,’’ she noted. 

She said the government’s effort could not be achieved without the support of non-governmental, community based organisations, private sector and community in general.

Ms Bogatsu further said that orphans and vulnerable children faced a number of challenges, which required joint efforts. 

She said lack of proper shelter, basic materials such as clothing and households items continued to be a challenge for some people. 

She stated that school enrolment rate, malnutrition, lack of access to health care, delayed developments or physical disabilities and child labour among others were worrisome. 

Ms Bogatsu however, mentioned that Orphan Care Programme in central district council reported that there were 7 714 orphans of which 1 113 were from Serowe Administrative Authority which Thabala village is part of with 78 orphans.

For his part, Serowe South MP Mr Leepetswe Lesedi, appealed to private sector, churches and individuals to emulate SDA and assist orphans countrywide. 

The MP donated eight blankets to the family. Area Councilor Mr Edward Gaefele also donated two blankets and P200.

An elder who was also an organiser from the church, Ms Leapotswe Bantsi said the seven orphans’s mother died in 2017. leaving them with their old grandmother. Ms Bantsi stated that SDA church recognised the difficulties the family was facing. 

She said Good Samaritans helped them by contributing money, building materials and other materials towards the construction of the house that started in 2019.

The house consists of two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, toilets and living room. The family were also given kitchen utensils, beds, blankets, and toiletry and food basket.

Receiving the gift the orphans’ grandmother, Ms Lempoetse Kweta who was overwhelmed by happiness had few words except to say, ‘Ke a leboga batho ba Modimo.’’ ends