Khama Lights Up Xmas
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday December 12, 2016 16:23
At the same event, Father Christmas was let loose, distributing goodies to the children in the vicinity to give them the excitement that every child awaits at least once a year.
The recipients of the goodies this time were from SOS Tlokweng, who were privileged to be with the President of the country and to experience the occasion of lighting the giant tree.
It was a truly Xmas mood as the Rail Park Mall came to life with Christmas carols, courtesy of the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s talented choir. According to the University’s Vice Chancellor, Cedric Belle, that was the biggest Christmas tree ever in the country. He said the tree that was staged in the centre of the mall, was 12 metres high and six metres wide.
“Unlike last year when the tree had 16,000 bulbs, this year the bulbs were increased to 50,000. This is the fourth year that Limkokwing University is lighting the biggest tree in Botswana. The university explores the talent of its lecturers and students through this project,” he said.
Belle added that for four years in a row, their students had been composing Christmas carols through the University’s Heal The World outreach programme where they helped a selected charity organisation. He further explained that the main objective of that event was to promote and uplift the Christmas spirit of giving in Botswana and extend a helping hand to the underprivileged during the festive season.
Limkokwing University spokesperson, Mercy Thebe who was also the Master of Ceremony (MC) that evening highlighted that over the years, they realised there was lack of an outstanding feature in the city, and as such they hoped that the tree would bring unforgettable moments to the city.
“This is part of the peace and outreach initiative spearheaded by Limkokwing students to promote compassion and social awareness through campaigns and fundraising activities for the most pressing global concerns. The Founder and President of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Limkokwing is of the view that corporate social responsibility must be a mindset, rather than a dedicated effort reserved for certain times and occasions.
“It is something he wishes the University staff and students to weave into their daily lives and they passionately do so. Therefore, as part of this initiative, the University celebrates Christmas by sharing and giving, more especially to the under-privileged members of the society we serve, hence its continuous end of year charity projects such as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Album Launch,” she said.
Thebe added that the University goes on to recognise and nurture student talents, which was used positively through charity platforms hence launching a Christmas Album entitled Never Give Up, which will be given to all the invited guests during the day.
She said through that notable Humanity Changing Initiative, the Limkokwing University Botswana in particular, has touched communities and contributed millions of pula.
“Testimony to this is that, for the past four years Limkokwing Botswana Students have been recording Christmas Melodies albums to raise funds for charitable courses such as the SOS Children’s Home. This year again Limkokwing University will donate food hampers to SOS Children’s Home from funds raised through the Heal The World Foundation. The donations include Christmas hampers for about 120 including stationery, school bags, toys, books and blankets and centre food donations, all totaling over P50,000,” she said.
The University choir treated the audience with beautiful melodies that got the President and the Mayor of Gaborone, Kagiso Thutlwe dancing. It also dedicated a special song to President Khama that acknowledged his good leadership.
The children from SOS were given their Christmas gifts that included backpacks and some packages. The village was also given some food and toiletry hampers to keep it going till next year. Some of the lucky children had a chance to sit and chat with the President.