Workcamps build classroom for child trust

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday May 21, 2012 00:00

 

Molepolole South Member of Parliament (MP) Daniel Kwelagobe, who was all smiles, spent time at the centre with the youthful volunteers of the university branch. Kwelagobe, also known as DK, was also seen giving a helping hand, as he performed the groundbreaking at the site.  DK told the volunteers of BUWA, led by the BWA president Mils Nan, how grateful he was at their show of magnanimity towards the disadvantaged children at the centre.

DK said the volunteers deserved to be commended for their initiative to be at the forefront towards helping the unfortunate members of the society. 'Our society is built through volunteerism. I am impressed by your work and hope it will go beyond just building this classroom here but extend to other unfortunate communities out there,' he said.

Kwelagobe also commended the patron of the trust Shirley Madikwe whom he described as a dedicated and compassionate person who has decided to find joy in helping the less fortunate rather than enjoy the city life.

According to the MP, both the BUWA and Madikwe's initiatives are in line with the national Vision 2016 pillar of a compassionate and caring nation. Kwelagobe applauded the young volunteers to do more urging them to follow the saying by the founding president of China Mao Tse-Tung who once said that 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step'. 'You started by donating clothes and now you are building a classroom. Don't underestimate your capabilities,' added Kwelagobe.

For his part, the BWA president Miles Nan, who was also busy helping with the youth volunteers on the day, said that they would continue to identify members of the society who are less privileged and deserving of assistance.

Nan said that though he may be a foreigner he regards Botswana as his second home. Nan says it is this feeling of belonging that has inspired him to mingle and join hands with the likes of BWA to contribute to the well-being of Batswana. Meanwhile, he also called on other foreigners in Botswana to participate in the country's charity and volunteer programmes, so as to contribute to the elimination of poverty and realisation of Botswana's Vision 2016.

Nan says the BWA has in the past helped construct fire breakers, and build roads at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Mokolodi Nature Reserve, and Moremi, using their network of volunteers as well as donations. For her part the patron of the trust Shirley Madikwe commended University of Botswana and BWA volunteers for seeing the need to help the children at the trust.