Angels of God Choir brings comfort to G/North pupils
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday May 4, 2026 06:00
The Angels of God Church Choir, under the St John Apostolic Faith Mission of Botswana, handed over donations aimed at one simple goal: Improving Classroom Comfort and Learning Conditions. It is a theme that Assistant Minister and Gaborone North Member of Parliament, Shawn Ntlhaile says goes beyond infrastructure. “A child cannot learn well in an uncomfortable space,” he told guests. “When desks are broken, when floors are dusty or lighting is poor, we are not simply seeing an infrastructure problem. We are seeing a barrier to potential, and more than that, a barrier to a right, ” he added.
Ntlhaile referenced the Children’s Act of 2009, which affirms every child’s right to development, education, and dignity. “So when a learner sits on a broken chair, their right to dignity is compromised. When a girl misses school because there are no proper sanitation facilities, her right to education is denied. That is why today is not charity. It is a community stepping up to fulfil what the law demands,” he added.
The donation was born from music. Concert organiser Mmama Mhlanga-Fichani explained that proceeds from the Psalm 51:12 Clap and Tap Gospel Concert funded the classroom upgrades. Sponsors included Khammafi Consulting, Fish Pabalinga – Leap Frog, Rethabile Boko, and Executive Catering. Jazz maestro Lister Boleseng lent his talent, collaborating with the choir in what Mhlanga-Fichani called “one of the first performances of its kind within the Clap and Tap gospel music genre.” Promoter, Zenzele Hirschfeld was also singled out for her hands-on support.
At Ledumang Primary, the need was stark. Some of the youngest pupils attend lessons in canvas classrooms, sweltering in summer and freezing in winter. Heaters will now help balance those extremes. “Because of your support, these children will no longer have to learn under such difficult conditions,” Mhlanga-Fichani said. “They can now learn in comfort and dignity.”
Ikageng Primary had asked for a printer. The choir thought bigger. “We asked ourselves where we could make the greatest impact,” she said. “We recognised that classroom conditions affect every learner, every day. That is why we chose to provide ceiling fans. With the fans being installed, the entire school will be covered.” Teachers benefit too. “It is difficult to expect optimal performance from teachers in extremely hot classroom environments. By improving these conditions, we are also supporting our teachers to give their best.”
Bishop Serema of St John Apostolic Faith Mission kept the message grounded in faith and community. “We believe the church is called to love our neighbours in real life, practical ways,” he said. “And there are no better neighbours to love than the children who represent the future of our community.” Quoting Proverbs 22:6, he added: “Training takes tools. It takes books, desks, and resources that help young minds grow.”
Ntlhaile used the moment to report back on the UDC government’s education promises under its “Inclusive Growth, Quality Lives” manifesto. He pointed to the June 2025 launch of a P69 million initiative for free sanitary pads to schoolgirls up to age 19, the creation of the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, and the rollout of two nutritious meals a day for primary pupils. “A hungry child cannot learn. Period,” he said. “No child in Gaborone North should ever study on an empty stomach.” He also noted ongoing work to institutionalise STEAM education and accelerate infrastructure upgrades, acknowledging that “school overcrowding, teacher shortages, and dilapidated buildings remain challenges.”
For Mhlanga-Fichani, the project proves partnerships work. “As a society, we all have a role to play in supporting our government in creating better conditions for learning,” she said, echoing JFK’s call to “ask what you can do for your country.” She made one direct appeal to Ntlhaile: support the prompt installation of the fans “so that they can be put to use promptly and deliver the intended benefit.”
As the ceremony closed, Ntlhaile had a final word for pupils: “A comfortable classroom helps, but you are the real engine of your future. Use your voice. Tell your teachers, tell your parents, tell your MP what you need.”