3rd July 2025
Own correspondent
Botswana Oil today officially handed over a revamped library at Lephephe Primary School as part of it’s adopt a school programme to supplement Government support for under resourced public schools.
This follows a plea to the business community to help fund education through adopt-a-school model of cooperation. In 2018 Botswana Oil took a bold step to adopt Lephepe Primary School.
This included constructing a netball court, perennial contributions towards prize-giving ceremonies, boot camp sponsorships and equipping and handover of the library and sign boards, together with an improved school logo
“Education is a right and one we at Botswana Oil have focused on supporting as one of our corporate social responsibility projects,” said Mesheck Tshekedi, Chief Executive Office of Botswana Oil.
He said, “We identify gaps and see if we can help.”
Botswana Oil provided resources towards the refurbishment of a small derelict computer room that has been converted into a functional library for school learners.
The total investment is worth approximately P200,000 which includes the library study areas, the shelves and books. This investment comes at a time when our education system is in desperate need of resources such as the library amongst others.
“We hope that the little we can will make a difference,” said Tshekedi.
Tshekedi shared how he grew up playing soccer without shoes because he did not have shows walking to school. “Look at where most of us are now despite our humble beginnings,” said Tshekedi.
He said, “Free education had empowered a lot of Batswana.”
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG) to which Botswana aspires is themed Quality Education and seeks “To Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all and this Goal is mapped to the Botswana Vision 2036 Pillar 2 on Human and Social Development.
The library contribution by Botswana Oil in line with this SDG’s target 4.1 that by 2030, we must “ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes”.
The theme for Library Handover ceremony is titled, “Discover your story, unleash your imagination.”
This means the book in the library exposes students’ diverse literature which provides them multiple opportunities to read a wide array of books, magazines, and other reading materials, exposing them to different genres, topics, and writing styles, which can nurture a love for reading and improve comprehension skills.
Tshenolo Bogatsu, Member of Parliament for Lentsweleletau, said “We appreciate the books from Botswana Oil. Education is a shared responsibility. Botswana Oil is playing a very important role.”
He said, “I know the hardships of these children. I was a teacher and left during COVID. A class of 40 had 10 books and they were not allowed to share.”
Bogatsu described the difficulties of assigning homework without adequate books.
The Lephephe Primary School library was described as an invaluable investment by Botswana Oil for they understand libraries are essential for developing lifelong learning skills, fostering a passion for reading, and supporting academic growth and success.
A library provides access to various resources, teaches and improves information literacy, and offers a quiet study space, all of which enhance learning and contribute to students’ overall development.
Officials believe investing in primary education is important for individual and societal development, fostering economic growth, promoting inclusive growth and overall well-being.
It presents a foundation for future learning and empowers individuals to participate fully with confidence in their communities.
Bogatsu also applauded the signage sponsored by Botswana Oil to help stakeholders wanting to identify Lephephe Primary school. He stressed supporting corporate social responsibilities should be legislated so that private companies can support community initiatives.
Such legislation would enable communities affected by the activity of mining companies to seek medical assistance if they are affected by an emerging epidemic. This was especially the case with asbestos. The current practice meant that communities had no buffer to address these concerns.
Mothei Mothei, Lephephe Primary School Head, said “We thank Botswana Oil for the gift bestowed upon us. It is a heritage that cannot be taken by anyone.”
He said, “But if children are not taught how to read, a library will be useless.”
Mothei stressed that a fully functional library will help school children to improve their results. He related that school results were showing signs of gradual improvement.
In 2021 the Lephephe Primary School got a 40% pass rate. This increased to 51% in 2022, 52.3% in 2023 and 67.7% in 2024. “I arrived in 2022,” said Mothei.
A serious shortage of textbooks, resulted in school requesting Botswana Oil to direct the library budget towards buying text books for the library instead of reference and other supplementary materials.
This has a negative impact on academic work such as class work and homework. There was also an issue of a lack of rest rooms for staff. Teachers have to go home now and then.
