28 Jul 2022

Belmond Safaris and Johan Calitz Safaris have donated laptops to two learners from Ditshiping and Xaxaba in the Okavango Delta who excelled in the 2021 BGCSE.

Ditshiping born Banyatsi Gorekwamang obtained 46 points while Xhaxaba’s Ketshepile Basuti scooped 47 points and are both enrolled at University of Botswana pursuing a Bachelor of Science General.

The project is a brainchild of Bojanala Ward councillor, Mr Luke Motlaleselelo who submitted proposals to travel and safari companies operating in the Okavango Delta, which is under his council jurisdiction, to assist with donating laptops to five high achievers in Bojanala. 

Two companies heeded the call.

Giving an overview of the project in Maun on Wednesday, Councillor Motlaleselelo stated that children from settlements in the Okavango Delta were disadvantaged because they did not have access to schools in close proximity, which resulted in them separating with their parents to attend boarding schools.

He highlighted that it was remarkable to have five top achievers from Daunara, Ditshiping and Xaxaba, who attended schools in Gantsi and Maun senior secondary schools.

However, he said it was disappointing to only have received positive feedback from two companies though Safari companies were making millions from concessions that were operating in settlements.

Mr Motlaleselelo said investing in education was a long lasting legacy in that children would use the laptops to research and excel academically. 

“Now that you have invested in the young girls’ education they will perform exceptionally well and attain qualification, and who knows, they may become managers at your Safari camps,’’ stated Mr Motlaleselelo.

He thanked parents for supporting their children academics and encouraged the girls to work hard at the university, to cement their future.

Johan Calitz Safaris accounts manager, Mr Simon Nthite highlighted that they saw potential in these learners, hence saw it fitting to invest in their academics as part of their CSR project.

He said as a company, they supported and invested in education by offering attachments to students, adding that they wished to do even more now that COVID-19 had subsided.

Mr Nthite said it would be inspiring to see the youngsters return with a qualification and run tourism companies in their settlements.

Maun Administrative Authority vice chairperson, Mr Petros Tjetjoo applauded the girls’ impressive performance as proof that children from remote areas were capable of excelling in every department, as long as they were determined.

He said laptops were a necessity in the current education system because assignments and research were conducted digitally at universities.

He implored the girls to stay focused and disciplined in order to realise their dreams. 

You have carved a great future for yourselves and don’t let this spirit die, rather aim even higher,” stated Mr Tjetjoo.

Speaking on behalf of parents, Ms Boikarebelo Gorekwamang thanked their councillor for facilitating the project and acknowledged the companies for buying laptops for their children.

She asked the girls to continue in the same path and make them proud. 

“We acknowledge that the city poses many social pressures that can destroy your future unlike here at home, but you must resist them by all means,” Ms Gorekwamang encouraged the girls. Ends