25 Jul 2024

Ithuteng Primary School in Gaborone witnessed a heartwarming visit from First Lady Neo Masisi, the newly appointed Merck Foundation ambassador. 

The First Lady expressed her passion for supporting children with disabilities on Wednesday during a tour of the school, which had benefitted from the foundation’s initiatives. 

Ms Masisi said she chose the school during one of the  gender- based violence campaigns. She highlighted the vulnerability of children with disabilities to abuse, saying there was need for awareness and protection. 

 She said they could even be abused by their caregivers who knew the children depended on them and had no way of reporting unbecoming behaviour and assault. 

The First Lady previously donated sewing machines to the schools special needs department for pupils to learn sowing skills. 

Recognising the importance of technical and vocational training, the First Lady emphasised inclusivity and the development of human capital. 

She commended Ithuteng Primary School for nurturing talent and providing opportunities for learners to excel in various fields. 

This, she said was shown through learners works displayed during the tour.

She said inclusivity and the development of human capital were more important and thanked Merck Foundation for heeding their call and government for recognising people with special needs. 

One beneficiary and Former pupil, Mr Mmoloki Phefo shared his success story, crediting the school for teaching him essential skills in pottery, gardening, and sewing. With further training at a Vocational Institute, he embarked on an industrial attachment in Gaborone,  and said he was grateful for the support received from his teachers and the First Lady.

He said afterwards he went to Re ka Kgona Vocational Institute in Selibe Phikwe and came to Gaborone for an industrial attachment, adding that he was grateful to his teachers and Ms Masisi. 

The school principal, Ms Alleta Visagie also expressed her gratitude to First Lady and Merck Foundation for giving learners with special needs the opportunity to showcase their talent through sewing. 

She said they performed exceptionally well in sewing as evidenced by items on display in the special education unit. 

Ms Visagie said they would continue to assist pupils to fully utilise the machines and refine their skills to earn a living through sowing and creating employment after training.

 Merck Foundation chief executive officer, Senator Dr Rasha Kelej said it was important for them to create employment and to upskill beneficiaries. 

He added that they were overwhelmed by success stories they heard everywhere they went. ENDS