SPAR Foundation
STAFF WRITER | Tuesday October 15, 2024 10:00
SPAR Foundation Donates Batlokwa Sports Field to Tlokweng Community
In a significant gesture of community empowerment, the SPAR Foundation handed over a newly upgraded sports field to Batlokwa National Primary School in Tlokweng on 16th September 2024. This donation not only enhances the local school’s infrastructure but also reflects the long-standing value that SPAR places on promoting healthy lifestyles and sports development at the grassroots level.
The event was attended by local leaders, educators, and representatives from SPAR, all of whom recognised the impact of the new sports field on the community’s recreational and developmental activities. SPAR’s community projects coordinator, Janine Wilkinson, spoke about the significance of the donation, stating, “It represents the start of a relationship between us and Batlokwa National School and the Tlokweng area in general. We would like to think that the partnership embodies the spirit of community and shared purpose between the different parties.
It wasn’t merely upgrading the physical space, we are investing in the future of the children who will be using it.” Wilkinson emphasised SPAR’s willingness to make a meaningful impact beyond providing quality products, noting that this donation was the first step in helping the children access facilities that could change their lives.
For the community of Tlokweng, this donation is much more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it symbolises hope for youth development and recreational engagement. The sports field will serve as a platform where young talents can be nurtured from an early age, in line with Botswana’s growing sports culture. Mrs Gaseitsewe, the school head of Batlokwa National Primary School, expressed her gratitude for the donation: “Considering that we are not the only school in Tlokweng, we felt very privileged to receive such a donation from SPAR. In this modern day, where we have our very own athletic stars in Botswana, such a donation ensures that we nurture such talents from early beginnings.”
The initiative also received praise from local government representatives. Councillor Kgakgamatso Kgokong, Vice Chairperson of the Education and Health Committee, acknowledged SPAR’s efforts in complementing the government’s aspirations to develop communities, despite limited resources.
The Batlokwa Sports Field is part of SPAR’s broader mission to uplift local communities by creating spaces that promote wellness, unity, and growth. In addition to this donation, SPAR has been actively engaged in other community initiatives in Tlokweng, such as their weekly soup kitchens in collaboration with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, ensuring that they address both immediate needs and long-term developmental goals. Wilkinson also mentioned that SPAR is seeking further collaborations with other entities and individuals to continue making an impact on the community.
This latest project demonstrates SPAR’s dedication to nurturing communities at the grassroots level, with a clear focus on creating sustainable development opportunities. “We hope that by upgrading the fence, levelling the field, and providing shaded seating, the children at the school and the community at large will be able to make greater use of the space. This is why our mission extends beyond providing quality products and services; we are deeply rooted in making a meaningful impact on the community,” Wilkinson explained.
With a vision of ensuring long-term benefits for local communities, SPAR’s donation of the Batlokwa Sports Field marks a new chapter for Tlokweng, where infrastructure, sports, and youth development are placed at the forefront of community building. As the partnership between SPAR and the Tlokweng community continues to grow, the future looks bright for local children and their budding athletic dreams.