Botha-Bothe, Feb. 19 — The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations and Member of Parliament for Hololo constituency, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane has launched an ‘Adopt-a-Student’ campaign during his birthday celebration, which was held under a ‘Back to School’ theme.
Speaking at his former school, Tsime Primary School, Mr. Mpotjoane said the campaign aims to motivate and support children to remain in school as they prepare for their future. He pledged chiefs about children’s growth during public gatherings.
He encouraged community members to revive the traditional spirit of collective responsibility, where raising a child was not solely the duty of parents but of the entire village.
“With this campaign, I urge those of us who have made it to university or college to adopt at least one child and share our educational journey with them. This will inspire learners to understand that success does not come from merely attending school daily without a dream, but from determination and clear goals,” he said.
Mr. Mpotjoane reflected on his own schooling experience at Tsime Primary, recalling that the school previously lacked adequate classrooms, forcing learners to attend lessons under trees.
“Despite those challenges, I stand here today. My parents did not raise me alone — they were supported by the community,” he added.
He noted that while the school was once well-respected and teachers lived close to the premises to dedicate more time to learners, circumstances have since changed. He expressed concern about the lack of a security fence at the school, saying this compromises safety.
He called on community members to help secure the school environment and ensure teachers have safe accommodation near the school. He also remarked that the introduction of free education should have been implemented in phases to safeguard the quality of education.
Also present at the event was the Minister of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Motlatsi Maqelepo, who launched a ‘Back to School Sports’ initiative.
Mr. Maqelepo said the campaign is driven by the realization that sports are often not taken seriously in schools, yet nurturing talent at grassroots level is essential for producing national champions.
He congratulated Mr. Mpotjoane for choosing to celebrate his birthday at his former school, saying it demonstrates his love and commitment to his community.
“Celebrating by giving back to schools shows that you understand the future of this country lies with these children. Through motivation and protection, we will produce future Prime Ministers and Ministers from here,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Mr. Maqelepo donated two balls each to 10 schools to officially launch the sports campaign.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Thabang Lekhela, said the event was organised in partnership with the Hololo Development Foundation. He explained that the gathering was not merely a celebration but also a platform to motivate children to believe that their background or current circumstances do not limit their potential.
District Administrator Mr Ts’epa Chaba applauded Mr. Mpotjoane for choosing to celebrate his birthday with children in his constituency when he could have marked the occasion anywhere in the world with his loved ones.
He observed that the culture of giving is diminishing, as many people now adopt a every man for himself attitude. Mr. Chaba further noted that initiatives such as celebrating with schools and launching the Spelling Bee and Business campaigns have positively impacted the district’s academic performance.
“In the past, Botha-Bothe used to rank low in end-of-year results, but the district has been steadily improving year after year,” he said, congratulating teachers and principals for nurturing learners.
One of the parents who attended the event, Mrs. Malibeng Selebeli, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s gesture, saying the community is blessed to have a role model who gives back.
Highlights of the day included entertainment performances, joint celebrations with the Minister and his mother, presentation of gifts from various individuals and organisations, and the distribution of stationery and school shoes to vulnerable children.
Mr. Mpotjoane also donated food grains from the Disaster Management Authority to vulnerable community members.
The event was sponsored by Lehae Funeral Insurance, Trans Africa Foundation, the Chinese Embassy, the Indian Embassy, Econet Telecommunications, Qhanolla Guest House and other partners.
ENDS/MIJ/tl
