16 Feb 2025

First National Bank Botswana Foundation has launched the Remote Area Dweller Programme (RADP) Top Achievers scholarship programme.

The programme is funded with P1.5 million over five years for five students admitted at Delta Waters International School in Maun as a pilot.

It is meant to give an opportunity to children in extreme remote areas of Botswana a chance to be in a nurturing environment that gives more chances to staying in school, perform better and progress to high stages of education.

It offers a full scholarship up to International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which covers tuition, boarding fees, transport, sports fee, uniform, casual clothes as well as minimal monthly stipend.

The beneficiaries commonly known as Rural Area Dwellers (RADs) are the top achievers of the Primary School Leaving Examination from Ghanzi, Hukuntsi, Mabutsane, Charleshill, and Okavango districts and they will be taken care of until they complete their IGCSE after which they would be eligible for government bursaries or international scholarships for tertiary education.

Speaking during the launch of the initiative held at Delta Waters International School on Friday, FNBB trustee, Ms Dorcas Kgosietsile said the launch marked the beginning of a game changing experience for the brilliant leaners who would be identified as the first to benefit from the scholarship.

Through the programme, she said they expected beneficiaries to do better academically, explore advanced extra-curricular activities and become a significant player in the main stream economy.

She also expressed hope that the scholarship would motivate learners and improve academic performance in schools for learners to stand a chance to benefit.

“This is a pilot programme and its outcome will determine the future of the scholarship and it is our fervent hope that this programme will have positive lasting impact on the lives of our scholars, their families and the nation at large,” she added.

Ms Kgosietsile appreciated that the top achievers defeated the odds as they were coming from areas that lacked basic facilities making them less conducive for learning.

She believed that the beneficiaries would distinguish themselves as role models for their peers and the upcoming learners in the respective areas they came from by being diligent learners, applying themselves and striving for excellence all the time.

She however, called on collaboration of all key players for the programme to continue adding impetus to national development agenda.

The foundation, she said had to date extended over P80 million in various projects intended to add dignity to lives through education, youth targeted projects, social welfare programmes, sports, commercialisation and arts and culture among others.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Dr Kekgonne Baipoledi appreciated the scholarship saying it would go a long way in achieving the goals and the growth of learners.

Furthermore, he said the ministry was committed to providing equal access to education, quality and inclusive education to all children.

“We are humbled by the gesture the FNBB foundation has extended to these deserving young citizens. We commend the foundation for playing a part in pursuing the interest of government and the nation at large. It is my belief that we will work hand in hand to ensure that this project yields the desired fruits,” he added.

Dr Baipoledi also believed that the learners would come out better citizens and praised Delta Waters school for doing a good service delivery. He encouraged learners to utilise the scholarship and benefit from it in order to improve their livelihood both at personal, family and community level. ENDS