23 Oct 2023

 Maunatlala leadership has been applauded for vision and wisdom, which led them to embrace Community Engagement Centre (CEC) initiative. 

Assistant Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Mr Buti Billy applauded the village leadership at the official opening of Maunatlala CEC on October 19.

The CEC is a unique and a first of its kind in Botswana and in the region, which signifies the growth and the birth of a working partnership between the ministry, Botswana Global Health Initiative, Robert and Sarah Rothschild Foundation and the community.

The partnership aims to construct CECs in selected villages around the country, specifically targeting the youth, people with disabilities and women in rural communities. 

Mr Billy however said the project demonstrates the spirit of compassion to community of Maunatlala by the Botswana Global Health Initiative and the Robert and Sarah Rothschild Foundation.

He said MP for Lerala/ Maunatlala, Mr Sethabelo Modukanele and Maunatlala leadership had prioritised the building of the CEC and contributed financially even at the time of global economic hardship, the period when basic needs such as healthcare, roads, water and many others were equally competing for the budget.The programmes to be run in the centre, he said, included ones addressing community needs, self-reliance, financial independence, enhanced health awareness, cultural activities and ICT awareness.

Other programmes to be offered are pottery, sewing, weaving, jewellery and culinary lessons. The centre also has a fully developed volleyball and a basketball pitches to promote sport and fitness among the youth and the general community. Mr Billy commended the community for choosing to invest in the development of their area. 

“You did the same in 2014 during the construction of Maunatlala Community Library and Cultural Centre. This shows how committed the community of Maunatlala is towards the development of their own people and striving to ensure they are self-reliant,” he said.

He said this resonated with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s priorities of Mindset Change and this year’s independence day theme; Mindset Change for Sustainable Development. 

He said the centre would contribute directly to the aims of youth ministry to promote the creative sector and cultural diversity.

Given the challenge of the ever -shrinking budgets in government over the years, he said it has proved difficult to construct and equip purpose-built facilities wherever and whenever they were needed. 

Mr Billy assured the community of the ministry’s commitment to placing great value in advancing opportunities for artists through cultural exchange programmes and other forums, adding that for the advancement of artists’ social and economic wellbeing, such opportunities would remain open to artists in Maunatlala and surrounding villages, including those to partake in programmes at the CEC.He said local collaborations were also vital adding that he was aware acknowledging Manaledi Pottery group based in Manaledi producing traditional pottery products as their source of income. He commended Maunatlala community, Botswana Global Health Initiative through Oregon State University (OSU) and Robert and Sara Rothschild Family Foundation for partnering with the ministry to empower Batswana.  

He encouraged residents to support CEC by enrolling in its programmes, and by purchasing artist products by engaging and providing commissions through different creative platforms within and out of the region.

Robert and wife Sarah Rorthschild of the Rothschild Family Foundation said they had been able to witness the building of many libraries in the country. They expressed hope that the CEC would be a real assert to the community of Maunatlala. 

Mr Modukanele thanked Robert and Sarah Rothschild family for the contributions they continued to make in Maunatlala and across Botswana. He said CEC was appreciated as an initiative to contribute to community development.

In January, he said, there would be a maternity ward that would be taking off in the village and he requested that Maunatlala community should pay tribute to the Robert and Sarah Rothschild family when they look into the naming and appreciation of the building that was to be constructed. ENDS