The Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Hon. Nono Kgafela Mokoka, has commended the dedication and community spirit of teachers and leadership in Botswana’s Central Region for their social responsibility project, which saw the construction of a new reception classroom block at Palapye Central Primary School.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Hon. Mokoka praised the initiative as a vital step in advancing the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme in the country. She highlighted that out of 37 schools in Palapye, only 32 currently offer a reception programme, underscoring the importance of this new facility in bridging that gap.
“This project will greatly enhance our efforts to provide equitable access to quality early childhood education for all children in Palapye,” Hon. Mokoka stated. “Early learning lays a critical foundation for a child’s educational journey, and I am heartened to see such commitment from our teachers and school leadership.”
Hon. Mokoka also expressed her admiration for the culture of service demonstrated by educators, noting that each year, as part of preparations for the National Teachers Day celebrations, teachers initiate projects that bring meaningful change to the lives of disadvantaged Batswana.
The Minister extended her heartfelt gratitude to the business community and other key stakeholders whose generous contributions made the project possible. Their support reflects the power of collaboration in driving positive social outcomes.
The newly completed Reception Double Classroom block features two fully equipped classrooms, separate ablutions for boys and girls, a dedicated sickbay, and an office space. The entire project was completed at an estimated cost of P705,980.67.
Hon. Mokoka emphasised that such initiatives not only enhance educational infrastructure but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among educators, stakeholders, and the wider community.
As Botswana continues to prioritise early childhood education, the success of the Palapye Central Primary School project serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collective effort and a shared commitment to the well-being of future generations.