02 Dec 2024

Government believes in the ethos of availing education for all, and efforts of institutions such as the University of Botswana (UB) Foundation to raise funds to support underprivileged learners earn scholarships should be lauded.

These were the sentiments echoed by Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele while giving the keynote address at the 22^nd Annual UB Foundation Dinner Dance in Gaborone on Friday.

Mr Maele said events such as the dinner dance assisted in raising funds towards ensuring that the impact of education went beyond the classroom and towards providing opportunities and support to communities where they were needed the most.

“UB continues to prioritise initiatives that serve the less privileged in our communities, ensuring that people from all walks of life can access essential services such as education, health healthcare and social care. The purpose of this fundraising dinner falls within what the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) as a party stands for,” Mr Maele said.

The minister further lauded the chairperson of the UB foundation, Dr Satar Dada and his board of trustees for their continued effort to ensure access to society’s less privileged.

He cited President Advocate Duma Boko in the recent State-of-the-Nation Address, where he stated that true progress would only be achievable when the nation worked together across communities, generations and ideologies to build a society where Innovation flourished, and transformed challenges into opportunities.

“For the Foundation to give an opportunity to the less privileged members of the community to access graduate education, underscores this vision. Our people, get empowered, feel dignified and will get a seat at the table,” Mr Maele said.

Dr Dada on the other hand revealed that beyond providing less privileged yet talented students with scholarships, they had also donated P750 000 worth of assisting devices to enable less privileged students access virtual teaching.

“UB Foundation was established in 2000, and the scholarship commenced in 2004, sponsoring on average 18 students per annum. It has since graduated 360 students in about 20 years and accrued about P10 million to the university through tuition and accommodation,” Dr Dada said.

UB Chancellor, Ambassador Tebelelo Seretse expressed gratitude to the UB Foundation sponsors, noting in particular, Lucara Diamond Mine, Mineral Development Company Botswana, Alexander Forbes, Motor Centre Group and BOCRA. Ends