29 Jun 2025

The Japanese Embassy has handed over a pre-primary education unit worth P825 000 to Nkoyaphiri primary school consisting  two classrooms, a kitchen, sick bay and bathrooms.

Giving a keynote address to mark the official handing over of the unit on Thursday in Mogoditshane, Charge D’Affaires Mr Ogawa Shin from the Japanese Embassy said the handover followed a successful realisation of the grant agreement under the scheme Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project.

“The undertaking stood as a true testament to our shared commitment and collective vision to advance inclusive and equitable education to every child regardless of their challenges.”

Mr Ogawa said early childhood education played a fundamental role in a child’s cognitive and social development as it fostered emotional growth, school readiness and ensure equity and inclusion.

He said he learnt about the challenges faced by the school in providing early childhood education due to shortage of appropriate facilities and believed the project would enable the school provide continuous educational opportunities for students.

Mr Ogawa said the project stood as a testament to what can be accomplished when communities united with a shared purpose and determination to effect positive change. He encouraged learners to utilise the special space to learn, explore and play together while embracing the learning journey with every bit of curiosity and joy.

The Charge D’Affaires reminded them that education was key to unlocking their full potential and shaping the world around them. He said Japan had long believed that an investment in education was an investment in a brighter future.

“As we hand over the pre-primary school education unit, we reaffirm our commitment to support initiatives that ensure access to quality education for all, in alignment with our dedication to SDG 4”.

Mr Ogawa said they firmly believe every child had the right to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive environment that nurtured their talents and abilities. He said government of Japan remained committed to working hand in hand with Batswana to promote education, empowerment and human security at grassroots level. Giving project overview principal architect at Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Council Mr Thabiso Seno said the project, which completed in four month, started last year September and was completed in December of 2024.

Nkoyaphiri primary school head, Ms Khana Moeketsi said the unit was handy as the revised national policy on education (RNPE) required that each school should have early childhood classes.

She said the school faced challenges of lack of classroom space for the pre-primary students and when an opportunity arose they applied for a grant with the Japanese Embassy and were privileged to be chosen for the construction of the unit.

Ms Moeketsi said she was happy that the project had been officially handed over to them and now more students could be registered with the school when the announcement was made.

For closing remarks, Mogoditshane/Thamaga District Deputy Council chairperson Mr Thatayaone Mosimakoko said the support Botswana received from japan could not be taken lightly as it solidified bilateral relations between the two countries.

He applauded the Japanese Embassy for the unwavering support to give every child an opportunity to study in a conducive environment. ENDS