Ramotswa – BDC has announced the adoption of the Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf, effective from July 2018 after building relations over a three year period through a variety of charitable efforts – including both financial and in-kind support. By adopting the school, BDC will be able to more comprehensively assist the school including the enhancement of the learning conditions of the students who have special needs as well exploring skills development opportunities for teachers.
“This is an important chapter in our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme and we thank Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf for the warm reception of our desire to partner with their community. A key challenge for the school has been acquiring resources that cater for the needs of their students – who all require visual and more comprehensive teaching aids – and the teachers who need special advanced training. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to address these challenges,” said Ms. Boitshwarelo Lebang, BDC CSR Committee Chairperson.
She said, “We believe our growing efforts will make a sustainable impact in the students’ learning environment. Furthermore, we endeavour to raise greater awareness of the school’s needs with hopes to increase private sector support in the future.”
BDC has undertaken several projects to assist organisations catering for learners living with disabilities. In 2008, BDC built a P800,000 classroom block for Botswana Society for the Deaf (BSD) Francistown centre. In 2013, BDC undertook a P1.57 million building project for erecting a classroom for the Tonota Special Needs School. More recently in 2016, BDC also donated a 17-seater Mercedes Benz Sprinter mini bus to Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf, valued at approximately P215,000. BDC also participates in celebrating high achievers with the Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf at their annual school prize giving ceremonies. These important events in the school’s annual calendar were conceptualised to commend academic excellence and award students who had achieved exceptional performances in their studies.
“We are committed to supporting the growth of young learners because they essentially are the future leaders of our country. Our people remain our Nation’s most important resource and it is important that public and private operations continue to invest in their development and growth including catering for those who require special facilities. Through our growing relationship with Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf, we hope that our efforts will attract other parties to make greater contributions towards communities in need especially concerning people living with disabilities and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC’s). We look forward to the road ahead,” said Lebang.
