The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Staff College, in partnership with Dulux Botswana and other private sector partners, has completed the renovation of Shakawe Primary School. The exercise is aimed to improve learning conditions and restore dignity to one of the village’s oldest schools.
The recent handover ceremony marked the culmination of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that transformed the institution, providing learners and teachers with a more conducive teaching and learning environment. The project saw all classroom blocks repainted, broken window panes replaced, and essential educational resources donated to the school. Among the items handed over were a photocopying machine, chairs, a smart board, school shoes, and clothing for learners.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Jafter Kube said the successful completion of the project reflects the institution’s continued commitment to improving communities through meaningful partnerships. He noted that when the project was launched earlier this year, the college identified Shakawe Primary School as a deserving beneficiary due to its ageing infrastructure and deteriorating learning environment, which school management highlighted had negatively affected education.
Kube said the project demonstrates that nation-building is not the sole responsibility of Government but requires collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and local communities. “As we undertake our activities, we remain guided by objectives that help us maintain a clear vision of what we seek to achieve,” he said.
Dulux Botswana Customer Service Supervisor Enametse Sebusang said the company’s long-standing partnership with the BDF Staff College continues to deliver positive results across Botswana. Sebusang noted that Dulux Botswana supplied paint for the entire school and provided painting skills training to volunteers who participated in the refurbishment works. These volunteers were later recognized with certificates in appreciation of their contribution.
“The BDF Staff College has placed its trust in us, demonstrating confidence in our ability to work together. We are grateful that this partnership has flourished over the past four years, and we look forward to many more years of working together,” Sebusang said.
Receiving the refurbished facilities and donations, Shakawe Primary School Head Shathani Mosidi expressed gratitude to the BDF Staff College and all project partners for investing in the future of the learners. Mosidi said the completed refurbishment exceeded expectations, creating a better learning environment.
“We believe the school has become more attractive and welcoming and will earn the admiration of many. These improvements have created a better learning environment for both learners and teachers,” she said. She added that the donated equipment and learning materials would strengthen classroom instruction, while the school shoes and clothing would provide much-needed support.
With the refurbishment complete, the school boasts revitalised classrooms, improved facilities, and new learning resources, underscoring the impact that partnerships between the military, private sector, and local communities can have in strengthening education infrastructure in rural Botswana.
