Smart boards and sign language books have been donated to the Botswana Society for the Deaf by Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Botswana.
Smart boards and sign language books have been donated to the Botswana Society for the Deaf by Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Botswana.
DTC Botswana, a 50/50 joint venture between De Beers and the Government of the Republic of Botswana, has funded the donation to the Francistown Centre for Deaf Education to the tune of P412,319 (US$37,000).
The smart boards and books were handed over by DTC board member Dr Athaliah Molokomme, who said they would improve learning for the students.
The centre is a residential school with a student population of 106 students and 55 teachers and support staff. It accommodates students from the northern parts of the country.
Dr Molokomme, who is also the Attorney General, said the technology would not only help the students learn on their own when the teacher was not available, but would also enable personalised learning for pupils. The sign language books would increase hearing impaired children's English vocabulary skills and teach American sign language.
School Headteacher Chandabona Chida said the school hoped that, thanks to the donation, academic performance would improve.
The centre’s pupils excel in dressmaking, leatherworks and in sporting activities and won 20 medals last year at a Paralympics event, which she said was proof that disability was not inability.
Botswana Society for the Deaf Board Vice-Chairman James Mathokgwane thanked DTC for the donation. The Society’s patron is His Excellency Dr Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former President of Botswana.