25 Feb 2015

Japan has given Palapye Administrative Authority a grant of $92 079 (P886 730) for construction of a Special Education Unit at Masupe Primary School in Maunatlala in the Central District.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gaborone on February 26, Ambassador Masahiro Onishi said the funds would enable 35 children with disabilities from surrounding villages to utilse the unit after the construction exercise.

Ambassador Onishi said this was the third project approved for the Japanese government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects for the fiscal year 2014.

He noted that Palapye Administrative Authority had become the 40^th organisation to be awarded the grant since the embassy started its assistance in Botswana in 1997.

He acknowledged that the signing ceremony became reality because of the commitment and passion on the project displayed by Masupe school head, Ms Pinkie Lefakae, ever since she applied for the grant in 2013 and continued to communicate with the embassy.

The Japanese ambassador however paid tribute to Botswana government for its commitment on expanding the access of basic education and to improve its quality in the country.

“The government of Botswana also well understands the needs for special education, as reflected in the establishment of Department of Special Support Services under the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. Such efforts are accelerated towards creating an environment, which allows people with disabilities to foster and develop their talents,” he said.

Receiving the grant on behalf of the Central District Council, Palapye Administrative Authority senior assistant council secretary, Mr Koti Molefi said the authority consists of 26 villages and 37 primary schools, noting that the enrolment in those schools increases annually with the current being 15 851.

“Currently, there is one special education class at Ratsie Setlhako Primary School with 35 disabled pupils and the classroom needs specialised infrastructure. The unit also has challenges such as transport, as the only vehicle that it had was involved in a road accident and is not yet back on the road,” he said.

Mr Molefi however said he was grateful for the assistance and support extended by the Japanese embassy through their donation which would afford them to build a second special unit for deserving children.

He noted the gesture was a clear example of effective organisations that pull their meager resources together especially in the trying times.

Further, Mr Molefi committed themselves at Palapye Administrative Authority that the project would be completed on time and on budget within eight to 10 months from the time funds are disbursed. ENDS