Early Christmas for SOS children
Mpho Mokwape | Monday December 8, 2014 15:06
The Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana held Botswana-China’s Children Christmas Love Day, and donated P60, 000, goods and gifts from different Chinese companies.
The day also served as a colourful cultural exchange between the two nations, which is in its second year running.
Receiving the donations on behalf of the village, SoS National Director Motshwari Kitso, said with the village relying heavily on donors for its survival, Chinese community was their biggest contributors.
“We have made quite a number of relations with stakeholders in the country but so far, the Chinese community has shown us their relentless love for the children and this village,” he said. He explained that the strong relations and partnership with the Chinese community led to the formation of cultural exchange between the two nations.
“The cultural exchange was facilitated as a way of strengthening relations and allowing the two nations to learn about each other’s culture,” he said. However, Kitso acknowledged that there was still more that needed to be done to keep the safe heaven afloat.
He said at the moment, SoS village cares for about 2,056 children and it has weighed heavily on the financial stability of the organisation therefore called for more donors.
Chairperson of the Charity Association of Chinese in Botswana, Miles Nan, said the association was formed two years ago as a way of facilitating donors from the Chinese community in helping the government.
He pointed out that so far, the association has spent millions on charity and would continue to do so in the future.
“As the Chinese community, we value the love and warmth the country has given to us, we do now have a second home away from China therefore we are grateful for that. We would like to help where we can,” he said.
Meanwhile, the day was charatectised by different activities including dance and demonstrations from the two nations.
The event was also graced by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Richard Matlhare and Private Secretary to the President George Tlhalerwa.