Debswana’s Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) donated eight prefabricated classrooms to Rakops Junior Secondary School. This is part of their Corporate Social Investment initiative.
The donation is worth over P1.3 million. It aims to improve learning conditions and ease classroom shortages. Some students previously studied under trees due to a lack of space.
Debswana Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Motsomi, said the donation supports sustainable development goals. “This donation is part of Debswana’s broader efforts to support sustainable development goals, particularly those related to quality education (SDG 4) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11),” he said.
The new classrooms will accommodate 256 students. This will reduce double shifting and increase students’ learning time. The project involved OLDM, the OLDM Project Management Office (PMO), and various business partners.
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Financial Contributions and Partnerships
OLDM contributed P1,287,732.00 for classroom refurbishment, relocation, and setup. OLDM PMO employees donated P68,000.00 for furniture like whiteboards, pinboards, and 80 student tables.
RMB Solutions donated P27,008.88 for 45 student tables. Pinagare Engineers provided P10,605.88 for whiteboards and pinboards. TKM Engineering handled table transportation from Gaborone to Rakops. Lereka Engineering gave P38,742.40 for paving.
OLDM General Manager, Mr. Mogakolodi Maoketsa, highlighted the teamwork behind the project. “This project was a collaboration between Debswana, the OLDM Project Management Office (PMO), and our business partners,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Boteti West, Hon. Sam Digwa, praised Debswana’s generosity. “The lack of adequate classrooms had been a significant barrier to quality education, as students were easily distracted when taught outdoors,” he said.
Debswana’s Building Forever strategy aims to improve education, health, and livelihoods in mining communities. By investing in education, Debswana ensures long-term benefits for local communities.