On Tuesday, the 19th of November 2024, Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) visited Dikgonnye Primary School and contributed a new printer and clothing items for students and needy families in Dikgonnye village. The event, which took place at Dikgonnye Primary School, was attended by various community leaders, including Kgosi Ishmael Rakgati, Village Development Committee representatives, Social and Community Development members, Security Services, Police, and school staff.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Ishmael Rakgati expressed gratitude for BOL's ongoing support to the community. He emphasized that BOL’s contributions benefit not only the school but the entire village. Rakgati also highlighted the close relationship between the school and the Customary Court, noting that any development at the school has a profound impact on the wider community.
Mr. Molefi Bailelwang, the Head teacher of Dikgonnye Primary School, addressed the challenges the school faces, and expressed optimism for the school’s future, stating that although the school has struggled to achieve scores above 50% since 2017, the target for this year is 80%. He set a baseline of 70%, stressing that the school has a team of qualified and dedicated teachers who are determined to improve the academic performance of their students.
Ms. Mpho Mokgosi, BOL Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, spoke about the company’s commitment to education as a bedrock of national development. She highlighted that BOL’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives focus on community capacity building and unlocking potential where it is needed the most. She also praised the Government’s efforts, under the leadership of President Adv. Duma Gideon Boko, particularly the establishment of the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, which plays a critical role in shaping educational policies and strategies.
In her remarks, Ms. Mokgosi commended the school’s resilience and determination, particularly in setting ambitious targets for the 2024 Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE). She said that BOL was inspired by the school’s commitment to excellence and had responded by providing a multifunctional printer to help address one of the school’s urgent needs. BOL also committed to providing ICT support to the school, ensuring that the school’s ICT capabilities remain robust and sustainable, which will help both students and teachers acquire the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
The Parents Teacher Association (PTA) Chairperson, Ms. Julia David, also expressed heartfelt thanks to BOL for its continued support. She noted that the village faces high unemployment rates, and many children lack access to essential resources, such as proper clothing, which negatively affects their academic performance.
BOL’s contribution of clothes is a demonstration of the company’s ongoing commitment to the development of both education and the wider communities within which it operates.