The Pan Afrikanist Watchman
The Japanese embassy in Botswana, through its ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project’ has built and handed over a P1 021 589.40 Motswedi Resource Centre’s Special Education Unit to Motswedi Junior Secondary School in Gaborone.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Wednesday 4th December 2024, the school head, Mpho Lesego gave a brief background of how the project was conceptualised and realised at the eleventh hour.
It all began with a call for proposals by the embassy of Japan under the scheme, ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project’ in October 2023. The deadline was a week’s time and Motswedi JSS had to work under immense pressure to meet the dealine for submission of proposals.
On the 24th October they received a call from the embassy that their request has been approved. On the 8th November 2023, the contract for the construction of the Special Education Unit was signed between Motswedi Cjss and the Embassy of Japan.
And then on the 20th November 2023, the sum of P1 021 589.40 was credited into the school’s account. The tender for the construction of the unit was awarded to a local contractor named Genioushope Construction Company and work immediately started.
The site was handed over to the contractor on the 23rd December 2023 –way before the expected completion time, and the school was given the keys on the 23rd May 2024, Mpho told the audience, which comprised school and embassy staff, Kgosi Richard Moleofe of Broadhurst Customary Court, the Acting Chief Education Officer – Eastern Region; and a representative from the MP’s office, as well as the PTA Chairperson, Mme Morolong.
Also on tow was Japanese Ambassador to Botswana, Ohmori Setsuro, who in handing over the Motswedi Resource Centre’s Special Education Unit at Motswedi Junior Secondary School in Gaborone, shared a few wisdom pearls.
Although serving the last days of his tenure as Japanese Envoy in Botswana, as he will be returning to Japan next month (December), Ohmori, presented a genial and inviting countenance, devoid of any anxiety at prospects of departing a country he’s grown so fond of.
“Education is a powerful tool for change and for children with special needs, and it is often a lifeline to discovering their full potential”, Ohmori said adding that the importance of special education cannot be overstated given the layered issues that still impede access to quality education for learners with disabilities.
He expressed confidence that through collaborative efforts of communities and government, “we shall overcome” the challenges of access to quality education by learners with disabilities.
Motswedi JSS has a growing learner enrolment, currently standing at 1009. Out of these, 74 are learners with varying intellectual needs and others with physical disabilities, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Disgraphia, learners with different ailments including diabetes and others.
Mpho explained that inclusive education in Botswana, as described in the 1994 Revised National Policy on Education and the 2011 inclusive education policy mandates all school-aged-individuals’ entitlement to education.
Furthermore, Sustainable Development Goal number 4 aims at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning.
“We therefore, have a responsibility as teachers, parents and the business community to ensure that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary education despite their varied learning disabilities”, Lesego said.
In a separate interview with The Pan Afrikanist, SRC President Krystal Kwapa expressed gratitude for the special education unit saying it was a saving grace since learners with disabilities had been struggling as they were lumped into the same class with able-bodied learners and could not finish their assignments on time.
On other issues, she said the student body is lobbying for air-conditioners in the hall. They also want lights for some of the classrooms. One of the students, Reneiloe Shandukani gave a moving vote of thanks before the procession moved outside for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The event, which was set ablaze by a devotional from Pastor Seboka of SDA, was spiced by the sweet sounds of music teacher, the saxophonist, Kutlo Sitabule.
(C) TPA2024
