09 Dec 2021

University of Botswana Foundation has awarded 24 students masters scholarships in various fields.  

 Speaking during the award ceremony on Wednesday,  the foundation’s board chairperson Mr Satar Dada said its mandate was to raise funds from the private sector towards facilitating deserving students to further their studies.

 He expressed gratitude to the stable of donors whose generosity made the cumulative P5m spent on scholarships since the foundation’s inception possible.

  Mr Dada noted that in February, the donors enabled the foundation to donate 462 mobile devices, tablets and five specialised laptops worth P750 000 to the university.

  He recalled that late UB chancellor Ms Linah Mohohlo managed to secure one of the donors, Northern Trust, to join the stable of companies that financed the scholarship programme.

  “While we mourn her loss, we also take solace in knowing that this nation will forever enjoy the fruits of her labour,” said Mr Dada.

 He revealed that when it was established in 2003,  the foundation supported 15 students and was presently boasting of having sponsored 318.

 In his welcome remarks, UB vice chancellor Professor David Norris expressed happiness at the postgraduate scholarships.

“I am excited about the gesture as it compliments the university step of sponsoring 20 PHDs every year,” he said.

  Dr Norris said the economy of Botswana would never be diversified without significant investment in human resources.

  Saying a knowledge-based economy was achievable through improved skills and qualifications of the workforce he stressed the importance of empowering students through education.

 On behalf of the scholarship recipients, Mr Boitumelo Mothelesi said he would forever be indebted to UB Foundation for according him and his peers such an opportunity.BOPA