18 Dec 2013

BIC, an international manufacturer and distributor of stationery products has donated 52 000 pens to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

Receiving the donation on behalf of schools across the country, education and skills development minister, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said the government and the ministry respect the dignity of all people through working cooperatively and collaboratively with others to engage in the hopes and aspirations of a wider community.

Dr Venson-Moitoi commended BIC for the good gesture and showing dedication in facilitating and nurturing Botswana’s young learners’ future. “This primarily means that every senior school student in the country will receive a pen as there are a total of 50 100 students at senior secondary level,” she added.

The minister noted that, “these efforts demonstrate that we recognise and liberate the potential within each child, especially those disadvantaged, so they can be valued and productive members of society.”

Handing over the donation on behalf of BIC, Global Holdings sales director, Mr Michael Essig said that the company understood that it was important for a significant number of students to have simple school necessities.

Having the basic school necessities, he said, meant that students would not have to worry about how they would fully participate in classroom activities. “Botswana is one of the many communities we wish to make a difference in and we hope this efforts is heartfelt and makes a genuine impact. A humble pen builds and contributes to an educated nation,” said Mr Essig .

He also thanked the ministry for providing them with a platform to reach children all over the country. The donation was done in conjunction with the ministry of education to echo the importance of education and the contribution it makes in shaping the children’s future.

BIC’s donation which will be distributed to 28 senior secondary schools is part of a Pan African strategy that looks to contribute positively to education. ENDS