- – as BDF, Dulux step in to restore dilapidated buildings
Years of wear and tear at Shakawe Primary School have prompted a major refurbishment project aimed at improving learning conditions and restoring dignity to one of the village’s oldest schools.
The refurbishment, launched recently by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Staff College in partnership with Dulux Botswana, is expected to transform the learning environment for hundreds of learners and teachers who have had to contend with ageing infrastructure and deteriorating classrooms.
The project forms part of the BDF Staff College’s corporate social responsibility programme, which focuses on supporting education and community development initiatives across the country.
Educators say the poor condition of some facilities at the school has affected the overall learning environment, highlighting the need for urgent intervention. The refurbishment project includes repainting classrooms, carrying out minor structural repairs, and improving teaching and learning spaces.
Speaking during the launch of the project, Lieutenant Colonel Jafter Kube said the institution had identified Shakawe Primary School as a deserving beneficiary after assessing areas where it could make a meaningful impact.
“This year, through our vision, we recognised that Shakawe Primary School would benefit from our existence, which is how we ended up supporting the school,” Kube said.
He explained that the BDF Staff College remains committed to initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing of communities and support the development of education in Botswana. “As we undertake our activities, we remain guided by objectives that help us maintain a clear vision of what we seek to achieve,” he added.
Dulux Botswana indicated that the refurbishment project demonstrates the strength of partnerships in improving communities and supporting education. The Customer Service Supervisor for the company, Enametse Sebusang, said the company’s partnership with the BDF Staff College has continued to grow over the years, resulting in several successful community projects.
“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.
School leadership welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely boost that is expected to improve learner morale and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Shakawe Primary School Head, Shathani Mosidi, said the school community was excited about the transformation and optimistic about the positive impact it would have on learners and teachers. She noted that the improved appearance of the school would make it more attractive and welcoming while also helping to restore pride among learners, staff, and the wider community.
She further revealed that certificates of appreciation would be awarded to the project partners upon completion of the refurbishment works in recognition of their contribution.
The refurbishment project is expected to significantly improve the appearance and functionality of Shakawe Primary School while demonstrating the important role that partnerships can play in strengthening education infrastructure, particularly in rural communities.
