Botsala restored to life
Saturday, May 25, 2013
The organisation has chosen to mentor students at Naledi Senior Secondary School so that they can also get the opportunity to study in the US.Botsala chairperson, Dr. Ezekiel Chimbombi, said they considered several factors in choosing the Gaborone school such as the catchment areas of the school and the students' need for guidance and counselling. He noted that parents of the students may not be aware of opportunities available to their children.The majority of Botsala members went to the USA with funding from Fulbright, Humphrey, USAAID and the Botswana government. They want to give back to the community that has accorded them the study opportunities. Dr. Chimbombi said those funded by the American embassy are asked what they have been doing and what they have learnt upon arrival home. Currently, the organisation gets funding from the US embassy but also engages in some fundraising initiatives.
Botsala is also open to Americans living in Botswana. The chairperson was disappointed that none of them came for the walk as promised. "We would like them to feel at home in Botswana like they did to us whilst in their country," he said about Americans living here. The walk was themed A Valentine For Your Loved Ones As We Network For Botsala.
With both sides entrenched in legal battles and public spats, the risk to public health, trust in institutions, and the welfare of doctors grows by the day. It's time for cooler heads to prevail. The government and BDU must return to the negotiating table, not with threats, but with a shared commitment to resolve this crisis fairly and urgently.At the heart of this dispute lies a simple truth: doctors aren't just employees but guardians...