08 Nov 2023

Government of Japan, through its Embassy in Botswana, has granted Motswedi Junior Secondary School (JSS) more than a P1 million for the construction of a special education unit, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project (GGP).

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, Mr Ohmori Setsuo, said that his government had dispensed US$77 130  to Motswedi JSS, following a call of submissions by the GGP scheme.

“This GGP project will involve the construction of a school building with not only a dedicated classroom, but also a sick bay, a kitchen, a bathroom with special toilets and offices for teachers,” Mr Setsuo said.

The Japanese ambassador said Motswedi JSS pupils would have the opportunity to continuously receive assistance with their special requirements and be able to study in a safe and comfortable environment.

Mr Setsuo said shortage of available facilities had hindered pupils from learning at their own pace, which was dependent on their special needs requirements and level of learning ability.

The school’s enrolment stands at 935. 

“Out of this number, 74 of them are learners with varying intellectual needs as well as those with physical disabilities,”  Mostswedi JSS school head, Ms Mpho Lesego said.

Ms Lesego said Motswedi JSS, one of the oldest schools in Botswana at the age of 34, had been facing challenges in facilitating learners with special needs.

“Motswedi JSS has had a Special Education Unit since 2011. 

This unit was established to address issues of learner inclusion, but it has not been easy to run,” Ms Lesego said, adding that some learners needed specialised rooms, counselling, materials and equipment, which came at hefty costs.

One such student is 13-year-old Robert Moumakwa, who on behalf of Motswedi JSS pupils with special needs, expressed gratitude with an impressive oratory prose. 

Robert, who struggles with slow examination pace, said the unit would warrant him the necessary attention he needed to learn like other pupils. ends